Senate Resolution No. 1918

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Juneteenth Family Day and Umoja Events upon the occasion of hosting its Juneteenth 2019 - 10th Annual "Back to the Future" Festival on June 15, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Juneteenth Family Day and Umoja Events upon the occasion of hosting its Juneteenth 2019 - 10th Annual "Back to the Future" Festival on June 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates the official end of slavery in the United States dating back to June 19, 1865, in Texas; the festival is an annual celebration in recognition of the emancipation of beautiful people, as well as their growth, accomplishments, and unity; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Juneteenth celebrates the rich history, thriving present and beautiful future of African Americans; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth "Back to The Future" Festival will be taking you through the journey of the African American experience using the lens of love; it will be going back and forth between old school (The Past) and new school (The Present); and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth New York City, originally started on Vermont Avenue and Jamaica Avenue, will hold the parade from the old location directly to the current home on Linden Boulevard and Vermont Street; and

WHEREAS, The parade, this year entitled the Unity Parade, will be guided by a steel pan band, marching band, dancers, and community members; balloon hearts will be given out to encourage followers to join the additional festivities at Gershwin Park following the parade; and

WHEREAS, Over their distinguished history, Juneteenth Family Day and Umoja Events have demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which they serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Juneteenth Family Day and Umoja Events is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Juneteenth Family Day and Umoja Events upon the occasion of hosting its Juneteenth 2019 - 10th Annual "Back to the Future" Festival on June 15, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Juneteenth Family Day and Umoja Events.