Community Board 11 Juneteenth Celebration.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth was signed into law as the eleventh American federal holiday on June 17, 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. 

The Community Board 11 Community Development and Budget Priorities Committee of Chair Serena Muniz, Co-Chair Malcolm Gray, committee member Christine Culpepper  De Ruiz, and other Community Board 11 members came up with the idea of celebrating Juneteenth as a Community Board 11 event. Elected officials who were on hand included Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, City Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera. 

Proclamations, and Certificates of merit were given to longtime CB11 member and recently retired President of the 49th Precinct Council, while other honorees were Deputy Inspector Garth Kentish commander of the 49th Precinct, Oral Selkridge Sergeant of Arms Community Board 11, and Angel Diaz member Laborers Local 79. Tyron Pope, ED.D Clinical Lecturer of Criminal Justice Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology at IONA University  spoke about Juneteenth.

(L-R) Community Board 11 members Migiel Dyer and Christine Culpepper De Ruiz, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, CB 11 Community Development and Budget Priorities chair Serena Muniz, Tyron Pope ED.D, and CB 11 Budget Committee Co Chair Malcolm Gray.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson arrived after State Senator Rivera departed for another event, and poke of what Juneteenth meant to her. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark also spoke after the borough president about Juneteenth.

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez arrived as the awards were handed out. Honorees Oral Selkridge and Angel Diaz stand behind Councilwoman Velazquez, Borough President Gibson, and CB 11 Budget Committee Chair Muniz.

Special Honoree Joe Thompson arrived just in time to be given his proclamation and other awards, while posing with Borough President Gibson, Councilwoman Velazquez, other honorees, and Community Board 11 members. 

The beautifully decorated and delicious red velvet and cream cheese Juneteenth cake.