PRESS RELEASE
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
HOSTS A JUNETEENTH
“FAMILY REUNION”
CONTACT: DIANE
251-599-4964
The Community Connections Committee, the organizing arm of the Alabama Benin Forum collectively present a 7 day Juneteenth Celebration from June 15th - 22nd. Juneteenth, or the "19th of June" began in Galveston, TX, when Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom for all slaves in the Southwest. This was the last major vestige of slavery in the United States following the end of the Civil War. This occurred more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Upon the reading of General Order #3 by General Granger, the former slaves celebrated jubilantly, establishing America's second Independence Day Celebration and the oldest African-American holiday observance.
The theme for the event is THE FAMILY REUNION to celebrate the international relationship Alabama has with Africa. In 2005, Governor Bob Riley signed into law The Alabama Benin Trade & Economic Cooperative Forum. The Forum is the brainchild of the late former Mayor of the City of Prichard, John Smith. Confirmations of attendance have been received from the Beninese Minister of Culture, Doctor Soumanou Seidou Toleba, Madame Antoinette Kabine, Director of BARD, Mr. Patrice Amoussou of BARD, Mr. Christophe Tozo of Gbeatitudes and Beninese Banker, Mr. Isodore Godonou of CCC Benin. Delegates are also expected from Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. Princess Theopatra (Theola Bright) & Makinde A. Gbolahan are the Godmother and Godfather of the Juneteenth Celebration. Authentic Beninese Art and Gifts will be available for sale by Mr. Elie Koukoui of Benin, now a Charleston, South Carolina Gallery owner. Madame Elise Sodjihoun of Chicago is the honorary Beninese-Togolese Womens Liaison. The delegation will be officially welcomed Sunday, June 15th at Stone Street Baptist Church during the 11:00 am service by Councilman Fred Richardson. Mr. Richardson will present the delegation with a gift to deliver to the President of Benin, Dr. Yayi Boni upon their return home. Councilman William Carroll has been invited to officiate over the daily festivities. Concierge and International Welcome Hostess is Natosha Durr, of Pensacola. Dr. James Gordon of Alabama Injury & Pain Clinic will host a LIBERATION THROUGH LEGISLATION
Some of the highlights of the week include:
Sunday, June 15 - Opening Ceremony at Stone Street Baptist Church, Welcoming of Delegates by Councilman Fred Richardson, Mr. Henry Haseeb, Mr. George Williams, Chairman of the Alabama Benin Forum, Mr. Robert Battles, CEO, Africatown, Sunday Service, Mr. William Carroll and others. Immediately following service will be Fellowship and Welcoming Ceremony at Africatown Heritage Grounds for libations & Remembrance ceremony.
Monday, June 16 - 12:00 noon Old Fashioned Family Reunion picnic on the Africatown Heritage Grounds at hosted by Robert Battles. Remarks by Mrs. Aurelia Craig and Mrs. Lula Ellis. Bring a picnic basket for your family.
2:00 PM a storytelling presentation in a one woman dramatic presentation Freedom Songs by Ayo Handy Kendi of Washington, DC., at the Plateau Community Center, other performers to appear. The African Delegation of Artists, Drummers & Singers will also perform.
Tuesday, June 17- 12:00 - 2:00pm Wellness & Holistic Health Fair entitled Liberating Ourselves thru Alternatives & Prevention, Dr. Elizabeth Castle and Elder Makinde A. Gbolahan, Plateau Community Center
2:00 - 5:00 LE MARCHE AFRICAIN (THE AFRICAN MARKET)
LIVING WELL THE HOLISTIC WAY
Elder Makinde A. Gbolahan, The Osanyin Institute of Health
&
Dr. Elizabeth Castle, The Agape Resource Collaborative
Learn the secrets to health & well being
JUNE 17th 2:00pm - 5:00pm
LE MARCHE AFRICAIN (THE AFRICAN MARKET)
THE MARKET OPENS AT 2:00
MR. MICHEL KOUOUI OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
WILL BE AT THE PLATEAU COMMUNITY CENTER
WITH "TREASURES OF AFRICA"
AUTHENTIC AFRICAN GIFTS, ART AND CLOTHING
***********************************************
MR. CONSTANTINE DAVID GNAHOUOI OF BENIN
WILL PRESENTS
TOURS TO THE MOTHERLAND
*******************************************
MR. MATHIAS DANGBE OF BENIN, MASTER DRUMMER
SAYS BRING YOUR CHILDREN
FOR MINI DRUMMING LESSONS (FREE)
********************************************
MRS. ELISE DOSSEH OF BENIN
MASTER COOK
WILL PREPARE DELICIOUS AUTHENIC SAMPLING OF AFRICAN RICE (FREE)
TUESDAY * TUESDAY * TUESDAY * TUESDAY
JUNE 17TH
BRING YOUR FAMILIES FOR THIS INFORMATIVE
&
CULTURE PACKED DAY
Wednesday, June 18 - 12:00 noon Liberation through Legislation Alabama State Representative James Gordon, District 98 will chair a Symposium highlighting the inroads to freedom through legislative initiatives in African American History and today. The panel will consist of the local and state political community. Representatives from Benin will speak on the same subject from the African perspective. To be held at the Sunlight District Auditorium. Honorary panel members will the Minister of Culture of Benin; Mr. Soumanou Toleba and his delegation. The Alabama panel will include Councilman William Carroll and others. The public is invited to hear this informative and educational discussion.
Thursday, June 19 –12:00 noon – 5:00 PM Educational Symposium with teachers and leaders in the education field to address, “The Challenges of Teaching in the Millennium. A panel of students and educators face off. Guest speakers from Africa.
12:00 – 5:00 PM Education by Motivation an afternoon youth poetry, culture and writing symposium directed by HuggyBearDaPoet and Ms. Katina Walton at the Plateau Community Center.
7:00 PM Freedom Celebration Gala Banquet Introduction of Godmother & Godfather Princess Theopatra and Makinde A. Gbolahan. Cultural & Informative Expressions by various Artist from the Diaspora, Fashion Show & African Market with Authentic Gifts, Clothing & Art. African Music, Authenic African Cuisine and more. The banquet is our "Juneteenth Gift" to our community. Come and sup with us. Free will donations will be accepted.
Friday, June 20 – 12:00 noon–4:00 pm Taking Care of Business Seminars hosted Alabama Businesspersons and hosted by Monsieur Isodore Godonou of Benin held at H&H Financial* 1560 St. Stephens Road * Mobile, AL.
Noon – 5:00 Le Marche Afrique. (AFRICAN GIFTS AND CLOTHING ON DISPLAY)
Elder Makinde A. Gbolahan, The Osanyin Institute of Health
&
Dr. Elizabeth Castle, The Agape Resource Collaborative
Learn the secrets to health & well being
JUNE 17th 2:00pm - 5:00pm
LE MARCHE AFRICAIN (THE AFRICAN MARKET)
THE MARKET OPENS AT 2:00
MR. MICHEL KOUOUI OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
WILL BE AT THE PLATEAU COMMUNITY CENTER
WITH "TREASURES OF AFRICA"
AUTHENTIC AFRICAN GIFTS, ART AND CLOTHING
***********************************************
MR. CONSTANTINE DAVID GNAHOUOI OF BENIN
WILL PRESENTS
TOURS TO THE MOTHERLAND
*******************************************
MR. MATHIAS DANGBE OF BENIN, MASTER DRUMMER
SAYS BRING YOUR CHILDREN
FOR MINI DRUMMING LESSONS (FREE)
********************************************
MRS. ELISE DOSSEH OF BENIN
MASTER COOK
WILL PREPARE DELICIOUS AUTHENIC SAMPLING OF AFRICAN RICE (FREE)
TUESDAY * TUESDAY * TUESDAY * TUESDAY
JUNE 17TH
BRING YOUR FAMILIES FOR THIS INFORMATIVE
&
CULTURE PACKED DAY
Wednesday, June 18 - 12:00 noon Liberation through Legislation Alabama State Representative James Gordon, District 98 will chair a Symposium highlighting the inroads to freedom through legislative initiatives in African American History and today. The panel will consist of the local and state political community. Representatives from Benin will speak on the same subject from the African perspective. To be held at the Sunlight District Auditorium. Honorary panel members will the Minister of Culture of Benin; Mr. Soumanou Toleba and his delegation. The Alabama panel will include Councilman William Carroll and others. The public is invited to hear this informative and educational discussion.
Thursday, June 19 –12:00 noon – 5:00 PM Educational Symposium with teachers and leaders in the education field to address, “The Challenges of Teaching in the Millennium. A panel of students and educators face off. Guest speakers from Africa.
12:00 – 5:00 PM Education by Motivation an afternoon youth poetry, culture and writing symposium directed by HuggyBearDaPoet and Ms. Katina Walton at the Plateau Community Center.
7:00 PM Freedom Celebration Gala Banquet Introduction of Godmother & Godfather Princess Theopatra and Makinde A. Gbolahan. Cultural & Informative Expressions by various Artist from the Diaspora, Fashion Show & African Market with Authentic Gifts, Clothing & Art. African Music, Authenic African Cuisine and more. The banquet is our "Juneteenth Gift" to our community. Come and sup with us. Free will donations will be accepted.
Friday, June 20 – 12:00 noon–4:00 pm Taking Care of Business Seminars hosted Alabama Businesspersons and hosted by Monsieur Isodore Godonou of Benin held at H&H Financial* 1560 St. Stephens Road * Mobile, AL.
Noon – 5:00 Le Marche Afrique. (AFRICAN GIFTS AND CLOTHING ON DISPLAY)
Saturday, June 21 – 10:00 am-4:00 pm
UJamaa Business Expo - A gathering of LOCAL businesses, artists, boutiques, business services, and other businesses will be on display at H&H Financial Services, 1560 St. Stephens Road from The Market is a part of the continuing observance of principle of Kwanzaa, UJamaa, or Cooperative Economics. For Space (FREE) call 251-599-4964 - COME AND JOIN US
UJamaa Business Expo - A gathering of LOCAL businesses, artists, boutiques, business services, and other businesses will be on display at H&H Financial Services, 1560 St. Stephens Road from The Market is a part of the continuing observance of principle of Kwanzaa, UJamaa, or Cooperative Economics. For Space (FREE) call 251-599-4964 - COME AND JOIN US
MARY K, AVON, VITAMIN DISTRIBUTERS, BOOKSELLERS; NO BUSINESS TO SMALL - WE ARE TRYING TO REVIVE THE LOCAL MARKET CONCEPT
********************************************
Sam Hasan will host a Saturday morning Golf Tournament
INFO ON GOLF TOURNAMENT
DATE: Saturday June 21st, 2008
TIME: Tee Off at 8:00a.m.
COST: 75.00 per player
PLACE: Silver Kings Golf Course (formerly Bay Oaks) Irvington, AL
Prizes: Cash & Trophies
FLIGHTS: Teams - Individuals & Groups (best ball)
High handicappers, youth, seniors, females, newcomers.. All are welcome!!
Individuals without playing partners will be placed on a team.
Sam Hasan, Director
6:30 PM - Mobile Masjid, Imam Ron Ali will host a Remembering Heroes Commemorative Service. Personal testimonies and remembrances of fallen Alabama Heroes.
Sunday, June 22 –
********************************************
Sam Hasan will host a Saturday morning Golf Tournament
INFO ON GOLF TOURNAMENT
DATE: Saturday June 21st, 2008
TIME: Tee Off at 8:00a.m.
COST: 75.00 per player
PLACE: Silver Kings Golf Course (formerly Bay Oaks) Irvington, AL
Prizes: Cash & Trophies
FLIGHTS: Teams - Individuals & Groups (best ball)
High handicappers, youth, seniors, females, newcomers.. All are welcome!!
Individuals without playing partners will be placed on a team.
Sam Hasan, Director
6:30 PM - Mobile Masjid, Imam Ron Ali will host a Remembering Heroes Commemorative Service. Personal testimonies and remembrances of fallen Alabama Heroes.
Sunday, June 22 –
APOSTLE ELIZABETH CASTLE
GOD’S ANNOINTED VESSEL TO THE NATIONS
DELIVERS A MESSAGE TO THE WORLDWIDE DIASPORA
SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND 2008 11:00 A.M.
DELEGATION & DIGNITARIES
FROM WEST AFRICA
BENIN * TOGO * GHANA * NIGERIA
COME AND MEET YOUR “FAMILY”
HEAR WHAT
GOD IS SAYING
TO THE DIASPORA
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
FIRE ON THE MOUNT MINISTRIES
SHELTON BEACH ROAD
MOBILE, ALABAMA
For more information – 251-599-4964
GOD’S ANNOINTED VESSEL TO THE NATIONS
DELIVERS A MESSAGE TO THE WORLDWIDE DIASPORA
SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND 2008 11:00 A.M.
DELEGATION & DIGNITARIES
FROM WEST AFRICA
BENIN * TOGO * GHANA * NIGERIA
COME AND MEET YOUR “FAMILY”
HEAR WHAT
GOD IS SAYING
TO THE DIASPORA
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
FIRE ON THE MOUNT MINISTRIES
SHELTON BEACH ROAD
MOBILE, ALABAMA
For more information – 251-599-4964
2:00 pm Dora Finley, Director of The African American Heritage Trail's Hosts an unveiling Ceremony Sunday, June 22nd in front of the National African American Archives at 564 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The following Historic Markers will be unveiled:
• Christian Benevolent Insurance Company- first Alabama funeral home owned and operated by Mrs. Pearl Madison, an African American woman in 1928.
• Finley’s Drug Stores - first chain of Drug Stores owned and operated by African-Americans in the State of Alabama.
• Johnson and Allen Mortuary- oldest African-American funeral home in Alabama that has been continuously operated by the same family since 1904.
• National African American Archives- only library for blacks until desegregation in the mid-1960s. Today it is a museum and African-American archive of historical artifacts.
*************************************************************
• Christian Benevolent Insurance Company- first Alabama funeral home owned and operated by Mrs. Pearl Madison, an African American woman in 1928.
• Finley’s Drug Stores - first chain of Drug Stores owned and operated by African-Americans in the State of Alabama.
• Johnson and Allen Mortuary- oldest African-American funeral home in Alabama that has been continuously operated by the same family since 1904.
• National African American Archives- only library for blacks until desegregation in the mid-1960s. Today it is a museum and African-American archive of historical artifacts.
*************************************************************
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Harambee Heroes of Freedom Awards Ceremony & Reconciliation Ceremony will be held at Emanuel Seven Day Adventist Church. Officiated by Elder Makinde A. Gbolahan.
Come to the farewell ceremony and wish our African Guest farewell as they travel back home.
JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE
THE GOSPEL MUSIC & NEGRO SPIRITUALS
THAT UNDERGIRDED OUR PEOPLE THROUGHOUT TIME
JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE
THE GOSPEL MUSIC & NEGRO SPIRITUALS
THAT UNDERGIRDED OUR PEOPLE THROUGHOUT TIME
ACROSS THE STREET
AND ACROSS THE WATERS
GUEST MINISTERS & SPEAKERS
AND ACROSS THE WATERS
GUEST MINISTERS & SPEAKERS
***********************************
All events open to the public!
All events are free! Call 251 599 4964 for additional information.
For Information on golf fees and tee times call 251 776 0253.
Check the Community Connections Blog Site below for daily Juneteenth Celebration Week Updates.
http://communityconnectionsjuneteenth.blogspot.com
ADDRESSES OF VENUES
SUNLIGHT DISTRICT AUDITORIUM
809 Seminary Street
Prichard, Alabama 36610
PLATEAU COMMUNITY CENTER
850 Edwards St Mobile, AL 36610
All events open to the public!
All events are free! Call 251 599 4964 for additional information.
For Information on golf fees and tee times call 251 776 0253.
Check the Community Connections Blog Site below for daily Juneteenth Celebration Week Updates.
http://communityconnectionsjuneteenth.blogspot.com
ADDRESSES OF VENUES
SUNLIGHT DISTRICT AUDITORIUM
809 Seminary Street
Prichard, Alabama 36610
PLATEAU COMMUNITY CENTER
850 Edwards St Mobile, AL 36610
MOBILE MASJID OF AL ISLAM
1559 Duval Street
Mobile, AL 36605
STONE STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
311 Tunstall Street
Mobile, AL 36603
EMMANUEL SEVEN DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
2000 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
Mobile, AL 36605
AFRICATOWN HERITAGE GROUNDS
1959 Cutoff (Bay Bridge) Road
Mobile, AL 36610
INFO ON GOLF TOURNAMENT
DATE: Saturday June 21st, 2008
TIME: Tee Off at 8:00a.m.
COST: 75.00 per player
PLACE: Silver Kings Golf Course (formerly Bay Oaks) Irvington, AL
Prizes: Cash & Trophies
FLIGHTS: Teams - Individuals & Groups (best ball)
High handicappers, youth, seniors, females, newcomers.. All are welcome!!
Individuals without playing partners will be placed on a team.
Sam Hasan, Director
30 SOMETHING SUPPER CLUB
2961 Dauphin Island Parkway
Mobile, AL
H & H FINANCIAL SERVICES
1560 St. Stephens Road
Mobile, AL 36603
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