|
Contact: Mindi Rambo, 212-668-2208
New York, NY – Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended. General Order No. 3 stated, "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." African Burial Ground National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service, will commemorate the Civil Rights movement as part of the park's annual Juneteenth celebration at 12 noon on June 19, 2014. The National Park Service is proud to announce the program's special guest is Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, who will give a powerful and unforgettable lecture about civil rights. She will also share some of her personal experiences while growing up as the child of Malcolm X, recognized as one of the most notable African Americans in history. The special Juneteenth presentation will include a brief video about Ilyasah Shabazz, an inspirational 45-minute lecture followed by a question-and-answer session, and finally, a book signing of her latest children's book, "Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become Malcolm X." "I'm looking forward to it," said Shabazz, whose full name is pronounced ILL-YAH-SAH SHAH-BOZZ. She is a respected author, producer, and motivational speaker. Shabazz produced training programs to encourage higher education for at-risk youth sanctioned by the City University of New York, Office of Academic Affairs. She served 12 years on the Youth Board for the City of Mount Vernon under Mayor Ernest D. Davis. She held appointments as the Director of Public Relations, Director of Public Affairs & Special Events, and Director of Cultural Affairs. Shabazz served as a member of the U.S. delegation that accompanied President Bill Clinton to South Africa to commemorate the election of President Nelson Mandela. Shabazz is a mentor for the We Are Family Foundation—dedicated to inspire, educate and promote a global family through building bridges between cultures for young leaders of the world. She also mentors at various group homes, lock-up facilities, high schools, and college campuses through production of The WAKE-UP Tour™: 'X'-Tra Credit Forums—her exclusive youth empowerment program. What: 2014 Juneteenth Celebration When: Thursday, June 19, 2014 Time: 12 Noon Where: African Burial Ground National Monument 290 Broadway, 1st Floor New York, NY 10007 Cost: Free Website: www.nps.gov/afbg Twitter: www.twitter.com/AFBurialGrndNPS Facebook: www.facebook.com/AfricanBurialGround
|
Last updated: February 26, 2015