FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NY — On the heels of historic protests, police reforms and advancements towards racial justice, hundreds gathered on the steps of the Brooklyn Public Library for a Cel-Liberation Rally to commemorate Juneteenth. 

The inaugural youth-led rally was organized by Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, Council Member Farah N. Louis, Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo, and Snaps Media Group to galvanize youth of all ages – the next generation of activists – into civic action. 

“One hundred and fifty-five years ago on this day in Galveston, Texas, Union Army General Gordon Granger announced Federal orders proclaiming all slaves in Texas to be free. For 155 years, our Black community has celebrated this day as a marker of our emancipation from the shackles of slavery. This year, we mark this solemn occasion in the midst of a nationwide reckoning about racial inequity in the wake of the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks, coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted communities of color. Today, I am so proud that the city where I was born and raised, home to America’s largest Black population, has declared that Juneteenth will be an official government and school holiday going forward. I thank Council Majority Leader Cumbo and Council Member Louis for holding this important event. In spite of the challenges we continue to face as a community, we will remain resilient and united,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams.  

“Today, we remembered our past, reflected on our present-day struggles for equality and justice; and renewed our commitment to fight for a better future. This year, as Black stories and voices are amplified across the globe, the historical significance of Juneteenth can no longer be denied. In the City and State of New York, Juneteenth has finally been designated as an official holiday. We have witnessed the Black community receive disparate treatment across the board – in police violence, food access, healthcare, and widespread injustice. Today, we came together and showed them the resilience, courage, and persistence the Black community maintains in the face of systemic racism. I hope that our young people are empowered with a sense of cultural pride and determination to continue pushing for racial equality,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis, Co-chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

“On the 155th anniversary of this holiday, the words of James Baldwin continue to resonate with us, ‘Freedom is not something that anybody can be given, freedom is something people take and people are as free as they want to be.’ This year of 2020 is time for us to TAKE BACK the narrative! This is not merely a legislative, or economic taking back. This is a cultural change – one where our society glorifies Black joy with the same energy it has silenced our suffering. 155 years is a long time, and we are stronger, smarter, and more prepared than ever before to organize and to DEMAND the changes we wish to see, but today we will celebrate all of our accomplishments, despite the perpetuation of systemic racism. Onward. There is still work to be done,” said Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo.  

Facing opposition and prejudice, we organized, marched, boycotted, and rode for equality. These groundbreaking movements were led by our youth who were unafraid and undeterred in their pursuit of life and liberty. One hundred and fifty-five years later, it is our youth who must be at the forefront as we fight back against police brutality and racial injustice to protect Black lives. Now is the time to rediscover our powerful roots and help illuminate the path paved by our ancestors for our young people to press on towards racial, economic, and social justice.  

“Juneteenth 2020 emphasizes education and achievement. On this day, we decided to uplift our youth in the midst of adversities. We used today to reflect and rejoice. It’s also time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. With Juneteenth’s growing popularity, it signifies a level of maturity and dignity, that’s long overdue in America. I’m proud to be a part of these historic times and proudly stand with my community for the betterment of it,” said Courtney Nelson, Owner and Founder, Snaps Media Group.

With the fiscal year 2021 budget deadline looming and the uncertain future of New York City youth during the summer months, many called for the reinstatement of City funding that was cut from the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) earlier this year. The coalition of youth, community leaders and advocates demanded an end to the divestment of resources from Black communities. “While commemorating Juneteeth, let us remember to keep advocating to ensure the City invests in our future – the youth! We have to talk about the detrimental impact of defunding the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Initiatives such as this help to keep youth engaged and off of the streets. When youth are employed, they are less likely to become a victim of or the person responsible for gun violence. I know the implications of not having meaningful resources as a youth firsthand. At the age of 16, I became a product of the school-to-prison pipeline. Through G-MACC, Inc., I am working to stop youth from experiencing what me and so many others have gone through. We have to remember in this fight, if we are talking about doing anything other than securing funding for jobs and education then we are playing games,” said Shanduke McPhatter, Founder, Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes, Inc. (G-MACC).

“New York City youth have experienced so much over the past three months. Summer 2020 should be designed as an opportunity for our young people to have a change of pace and a change of environment— SYEP is one way that allows them to do that. Programs like SYEP provide real-world work experience and creates a way for our youth to circumvent some of the negative experiences that streets have to offer. Elite Learners wholeheartedly supports the restoration of the SYEP Program and it is my hope that as we raise our voices in unison, the program will be available for our youth,” said Camara L. Jackson, the Founder and Executive Director of Elite Learners, Inc.

“The Summer Youth Program provides a safe haven for Inner-city youth to go to during the summer months in New York City. Participants depend on this program to earn income and gain valuable work experience. Closing this program will now force them to seek other activities to survive and increase crime among our youth in the city,” said Andrew Collins, Executive Director at Jump-in Enrichment, Inc.

“I realize that our economy has been devastated and that the city faces an enormous revenue shortfall. But we can not balance the budget on the backs of our youth, particularly those who come from marginalized communities and communities of color. The economy wasn’t working for most of their families to begin with and COVID-19 has exacerbated that. New Yorkers look out for each other. Our youth need to know we have their backs, and we must realize that helping them now means that we help our city’s recovery and our city’s future,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, Executive Director of Global Kids. 

The designation of Juneteenth as a holiday is the first step in recognizing African-American history in this country. From Africa to the Americas, our ancestors endured unimaginable atrocities but that is not where our story began. We are the descendants of kings and queens whose wealth was plundered and history was rewritten to erase our rich cultural heritage. This recognition marks a pivotal moment when our history can no longer be omitted or euphemised in school textbooks. Black history is American history; therefore we must continue to do all that we can to ensure that the Black experience is never forgotten.

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

For photos, click here.

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