ASANTE SANAA! SANKOFA DAYS CONTINUE Maafa Memorial

The Maifa Memorial will be held Wednesday, June 21 from 6-8pm Broderick Park (Foot of Ferry). The Maafa Memorial is a time to learn more about The Maafa and its' effect on Afrikan people, past and present. It is also a time to express our love through the spoken word, poetry, music, dance, and a traditional Afrikan ceremony to commemorate our Ancestors.

Event to be held Tuesday June 20th, at 7PM, at Burning Books

On Tuesday June 20th, at 7PM, the Progressive Book Club 716 is partnering with Burning Books to meet and discuss Annette GordonReed’s On Juneteenth. The event will be held at Burning Books, located at 420 Connecticut Street on Buffalo’s West Side. The event will feature an introductory guest lecture by University at Buffalo history professor Dr. Carole Emberton who researches and teaches the history of emancipation, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.

This event seeks to honor Buffalo’s rich history celebrating Juneteenth, discuss Juneteenth’s historical significance, and contextualize slavery’s historical and contemporary ramifications on the United States. As Dr. Emberton poignantly states “Juneteenth reminds us that emancipation was not a singular event but an extended process that is currently ongoing.” The Progressive Book Club 716’s Juneteenth event reflects their larger effort to connect interested community members with local activists and organizations through captivating reads.

Pictured above are just some of the dedicated volunteers who worked to bring Juneteeth to the community once again this year! We ae impressed with the newcomers and their energy and filled with gratitude to the many “soldiers’ who have stuck with it over the years! The photo above represents all that is right and encouraging about this year’s committee. Here are their names: Dayatra Amber, Juetaun Drewitt, Theresa Yates (Logistics Chair), Miata Wright (Concessions Chair), Bryana M. Hassan James (Arts & Culture), Pauline Price (one of the first Juneteenth members), Ziyadah Huqdah (Sgt. At Arms and former Concessions Chair), PearlieMae Hargro (Parliamentarian), Catherine Eberhart (member since 1983 &Board Treasurer), Jaime Swygert (Agricultural Pavilion), Ron Draffin (Board Member) , Taliba Asante (Board Member since ’83 & Underground Railroad Committee Chair), Carrone Evon Crump, and Jomo Akono (Board Members) , Jerri Becton Board Secretary; Betty Jean Grant (Boarad Member & Chair of Elder Griot Village), Murray Holman (Board Member & oversees Juneteenth Security) and Daniel McClamb (Logistics Team.) Apologies for anyone we missed! And on behalf of the community, PEACE, LOVE AND ASANTE SANAA – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!