California Juneteenth Celebrations ~ “Our Journey Towards Freedom”

In San Francisco, California on July 4, 1846 the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America was read on the Garden Veranda at the home of the “African Founding Father of California.“

The accomplishments of William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr., first African American diplomat in U.S. History, is highlighted at our Juneteenth Folsom Celebration, Leidesdorff Plaza. The historic agricultural communities of Negro Bar, Negro Hill and Negro Village along the American River Basin document our regional presence predating California Statehood.

Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association remind our world that “Agriculture is the Foundation of our Culture.” National BFAA President, Gary R. Grant continues to encourage us to celebrate Kwanzaa year-round, giving our “first fruit harvest” in honor of GOD given spiritual connection to the land and the responsibility to be a good steward of our lands.

Juneteenth Folsom 2006, “Our Journey Towards Freedom” documents a continual effort to officially recognize the contributions to the forward flow of humanity by women and men of African ancestry in the Great State of California.

Black Farmers in the Golden State of California represent 1/3 of 1% yet continue to face disparaging treatment and racial discrimination. Visit the majority of State County Fairs the California State Fair and World Ag Expo and you will see, first hand the intergenerational exclusionary practices of racial discrimination in the California Agriculture industry.

Together we can do better. Today, USDA Secretary of Agriculture Johanns, CDFA Secretary of Agriculture Kawamura offer a vision for a new tomorrow, however a clear understanding of “California Grown” systemic institutional racism and the direct impact on continuing poor health outcomes in Black Communities uniquely traumatized by “previous condition of servitude” and “Jim Crow laws” remain unmitigated.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, by Section 6719 of the California Government Code, will recognize California Juneteenth 2006.

California official recognition and documentation of the ongoing contributions by Black Pioneering Citizens of California still awaits action by Governor Schwarzenegger since his veto message of A.B. 59 Dymally (2004.)

We thank State Senator Vincent for his effort to proclaim the third Saturday in June of each year to be known as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A day of observance," to urge all Californians in celebrating this day to honor and reflect on the significant roles that African-Americans have played in the history of the United States and how African-Americans have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting freedom, brotherhood, and equality.

Juneteenth 2006, we can reflect on the “Our Journey Towards Freedom.“ We must form a more perfect union and demonstrate “One Standard For Humanity.“ Answered prayers after centuries of brutal sacrifice were payed for with blood, sweat and tears by those enslaved in our Great Nation.

From sea to shining sea demand a full measure of recognition and atonement, Slavery in California remains an, “open secret” yet California Juneteenth 2006 is another opportunity to continue the journey.