Six years ago, White Plains joined the growing number of American cities commemorating Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration observing the end of slavery in the United States. In 2003 the State of New York proclaimed that June nineteenth is to be known as Juneteenth Freedom Day. Shortly there after the White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee was formed with the support of Mayor Joseph Delfino, County Legislator Lois Bronz, the White Plains Common Council and African American civic leaders, clergy, community activists and local residents.

2011 Message from the White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee Chairman

This year’s parade theme is; ‘Understanding our past is the key to our future’. This phrase sums up our commitment to honor our past contributions, sacrifices and our determination toward creating a better tomorrow.

Our roots are long and deep in the history of this Nation.

We have raked the soil, cracked the rocks, moved the mountains, turned the waters, channeled the wind and harnessed the sun to produce a new kingdom for all. We have created villages, molded towns, constructed roadways and developed country sides and cities for all to live-in.

Our contributions to this homeland are legendary.

We have build trains, cars and airplanes to get us from place to place. We have farmed, made medicine, produced music and written books that the world enjoys. We have written the laws, directed the laws, presided over the laws and in countless cases we have changed laws for the betterment of our nation. We have defended this nation through every war it has faced

We stand tall for our country.

We have given our sweat and blood on every battlefield this nation has encountered. From private first class to “five star” general, our men and women have demonstrated their commitment to our nation’s army, navy, air force and marines.

We have always been here.

We have been educators and teachers who have taught others to read and write. We have been doctors who have healed the sick. We have been lawyers who have defended the wrongfully accused. We have been cooks and chefs who have feed the hungry. We have been tailors who have made the clothes. We have been scientists who have created new medicine. We have been engineers who have designed new computers. We have been business men and women who have invested money in our nation. We have always been here.

We love, we laugh, we sing, and we persevere.

Bernie Thombs,

Chairmen

White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee