FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2004

For more information, contact:
Mercedes Patrick, Tracy African American Association, Juneteenth Chair, Ph: 209/832-5815; mjuju9@aol.com
Melyssa Barrett, Tracy African American Association, Public Relations, Ph: 209/832-4325; melybar@aol.com

TRACY AFRICAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
CELEBRATES FREEDOM AT JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL ON JUNE 5, 2004

On June 5, the Tracy African American Association (TAAA) will celebrate freedom during its annual Juneteenth Festival between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln Park in Tracy. This marks the 10th year TAAA has created the community event inviting every neighbor to come celebrate freedom and enjoy music by DJ David Hicks along with the band Bustin‘ Out and songs by 3 Wishes. Steel drummers, The Harmonics, will dazzle and delight the community along with Stockton’s own Gospel Rollerskaters! The TAPIA African Dance Group sizzles on stage while providing a glimpse into African heritage through dance.

A community event full of food, entertainment, vendors, and crafts, TAAA encourages everyone to come and experience the celebration. Sponsors of the event involve local community businesses and services including:

· New America Homes,
· Standard Pacific of Northern California,
· San Joaquin Delta College,
· Delta Disposal, and
· The Stockton Record

Fred Cole, TAAA President, encourages community participation. He explained, “Juneteenth represents one of our most significant fundraisers enabling the association to provide scholarships and awards to Tracy youth while allowing TAAA to educate the community on African American culture and history.”

Juneteenth represents the timeframe slaves finally received word that slavery had ended. Although rumors were widespread prior to this timeframe, emancipation was not realized until nearly two and one half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It was on June 19, 1865 when General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued a General Order, which further enforced the Emancipation.

TAAA President-Elect, Nate Terry, further notes, “Current events continue to remind us that freedom should be achieved and treasured by all people.”

The Tracy African American Association is a non-profit organization established in 1994 by a group of concerned professionals seeking to form ties among African Americans and others in the Tracy community. Our mission is to create a cooperative environment that strives to unite people of all ages. We encourage active involvement in promoting, contributing and sponsoring educational, cultural, and social activities throughout the greater Tracy Community. Membership is open to any individual who shares and embraces the overall objectives of TAAA.
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