New Yorkers celebrate Juneteenth on
historic James Baldwin lawn in Harlem
By Tangerine Clarke
A celebration of music, tributes,
and reflection on June 18
in St. Nicholas Park, Harlem,
acknowledged African Americans
who were freed from slavery
in 1863 in Texas, a day commemorated
across America,
long before President Joe Biden,
signed into law Juneteenth a
Federal holiday.
Mayor Bill deBlasio who hosted
the event, along with wife,
Chirlane McCray, said, “Happy
Juneteenth,” before noting that
the emancipation, is now a
national holiday in the United
States of America due to the
persistence of Majority Leader,
Chuck Schumer, who ensured
the US Senate passed the Bill.
The senator then greeted the
crowd with “Happy Juneteenth.
This is long overdue. We all
know that the official ending
of slavery was 1863, but we
also know that in many ways
slavery is still with us, and we
have to fight it every day. The
nasty Republicans tried to stop
the bill from going through the
Senate, but I made sure it did.”
He added: “It is now law but we
will remember the original scar
in America, of slavery and racism,
we will fight every day.”
“James Baldwin lawn is a
perfect place to talk about the
power of Juneteenth, because
James Baldwin’s voice rang
out asking us not to look away
Healthy Gums and Teeth for a Lifetime!
Gentle and Effective Treatment!
St. Marks Painless Dental
Caribbean L 22 ife, JUNE 25-JULY 1, 2021
from painful truths, he identified
them for us so we could
act on them, and in that spirit
Juneteenth is not just a wishful
memory, it is a moment to
recommit our selves to change,
to action, to not accepting the
status quo that we all know, is
still broken.”
The Mayor as part of his
recovery plan, announced, in
the spirit of Juneteenth, that
young students of historically
black colleges, like Medgar
Evers, will be paid to help bring
about change, and bring back
New York City. The city will
also give thousands of four-year
scholarships to CUNY student.
He said there is a painful
truth about disparities in generational
wealth, adding that
black families created that
wealth but never got to share
in it. As such, starting September,
every kindergarten public
school student will be the recipient
of a savings account. The
city will make additional contributions,
until students are
ready for college, in addition
to “helping black communities
build generational wealth. That
Norma, Beverly, and Elizabeth from Brooklyn, join celebrants
on James Baldwin Lawn, to celebrate the Juneteenth
celebration in Harlem. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
is how we celebrate Juneteenth
brothers and sisters,” said
deBlasio.
The Juneteenth Economic
Justice Plan expands NYCKR
through public-private partnerships
to all school districts,
providing universal 529 savings
accounts to every public-school
child.
The city will invest $15 million
annually through 2025.
Every public dollar is estimated
to leverage 15-20 times in
philanthropy, family savings,
community scholarships, and
investment returns by the time
a child graduates from high
school.
The politician thanked everyone
who serves in the public
service, and acknowledged,
Bronx District Attorney Darcel
D. Clarke, the first female district
attorney in New York, who
was on the stage.
He also recognized the powerful
role the Racial Justice
Commission plays in working
to identify, and to dismantle
structural, and instructional
racism, in New York.
Shirley R. Scott and Hazel
Smith celebrate Juneteenth
at a block party style commemoration
on the historic
James Baldwin lawn, in
St.Nicholas Park, Harlem.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Painless Laser Treatment
If you are afraid, come to St. Marks Painless Dentistry. Say good-bye to painful
needles and annoying drills. We are the fi rst in the area to use a dental laser that,
in most cases, eliminates the use of drills and needles. Amazing equipment and
state-of-the-art methods will make your next dental visit enjoyable and stress free.
IV Sedation (Sleep Dentistry)
Discover a whole new world of comfortable and painless dentistry. Our top
priority is to eliminate your fears.
Implants
Based on years of experience and a multitude of completed cases we strongly
believe that it is most benefi cial for a patient to have all stages of Implantology
performed at one clinic. We will design your case, perform the surgery, insert
your teeth and maintain them. It makes the whole process smooth, painless and
affordable.
Gum Treatment/Bone Grafting
We provide comprehensive periodontal treatment including bone grafting.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Orthodontic Treatment & Invisalign
We combine the best achievements of European and American orthodontics
toeliminate unnecessary extractions. We proudly hold a status as a PREFFERED
PROVIDER given to us by Invisalign.
Dental Laboratory on Premises
Repair your old dentures while you wait.
for consecutive
10 YEARS
FREE
INITIAL
CONSULTATION
Do Not Hesitate To Visit
St. Marks Painless Dental
St. Marks
Painless Dental
813 Nostrand Ave.
Bet. Union & President streets
718-778-3283
State of the art facility
Steps away from the train
Ground level entrance
Luxury design
Custom-made lounging
dental chairs
Advanced 3D x-ray
technology