Courtesy of Mrs. Rosemary Pope
Over two hundred and fifty (250) enthusiastic guests dressed in red, black, green, or ethnic attire attended the Fourth District Senior Resource Center’s (FDSRC) 18th Annual Juneteenth Day Celebration at the George L. Stevens Senior Center.
Program highlights of this well attended event included the traditional Juneteenth Day festivities: The Presentation of Colors by The Buffalo Soldiers, The Black National Anthem led by Carmelia “Toot” Bell, inspiring opening prayer by Dr. John Warren, and the captivating ancestral storyteller, Alyce Smith Cooper.
Proclamation and speeches were presented by 4th District City Councilman Henry Foster lll, and the Certificate of Commendation (from Office of Congressman Juan Vargas) presented by Louis Ward, Chida Warren Darby, Korral Taylor, Office of Mayor Todd Gloria, and Director of Parks & Rec Mr. Andy Field.
The lobby was filled with information and resource table displays such as Dr. Suzanne Afflalo’s A Healthier Me, Jireh Providers; AARP San Diego, Falck ERT, Rachel Hilliard and the Buffalo Soldiers, and San Diego P.A.C.E. A stellar line-up of entertainment included: DJ John Phillips, Larry Streaty’s B-3 Band featuring Carmelia “Toot” Bell, Truth Mine Group, Soul/Spirit Eve, Kendrick Dial, Old Globe Staged Reading, Brittany Taylor, Ed Mabry, and acoustic guitarist Nikal Narasappa.
A food court offered traditional Juneteenth tasty dishes, desserts, and beverages to wet anyone’s appetite!
Ms. Rosemary Pope, Executive Director of FDSRC, Gill Sotu, and Old Globe Staff served as gracious and engaging co-emcees. Co-sponsors of this year’s celebration were: AARP San Diego, The Old Globe, and The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper. Adena Varner, Old Globe’s Director of Arts & Engagement summed up today’s event stating, “This is a momentous Day! We are pleased to partner with FDSRC for this Annual Juneteenth Day Event that reminds us to celebrate freedom, liberty and justice in our community and country.”
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