Determined that history not be forgotten and always the true educator, State Senator Geraldine Thompson (District 12) hosted on Thursday, the area’s 2014 Juneteenth Breakfast, an annual celebration commemorating the news that the practice of slavery in the U.S. had ended on June 19, 1865. Attended by about 75 guests, today’s event also marked the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Although Juneteenth celebrations have been held in the past, under the theme “Looking Back, Moving Forward,” this year’s event was aimed at educating participants about America’s history and the practice of racial discrimination.
“In the past, we have had street vendors, musicians and the like, but participants were leaving without knowing any more history than when they arrived” said Thompson. “We want people to know what conditions were like before the Civil Rights Act passed.”
Through song and portrayals of eight people who helped usher in Civil Rights victories in Central Florida, guests were transported back to the era when Dr. Martin Luther King and other civil rights advocates fought for the passage of civil rights legislation.
Renditions of “‘I’ll Take You There,” and “I know Where I’ve Been” were offered by Candace Anderson and songstress Stephanie Hill performed a moving rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” often referred to as “The Negro National Anthem.”
The featured personalities portrayed included, Thurgood Marshall performed by Justin Edge; Harry T. Moore presented by Alfredo Guerrier; Dr. William M. Wells by Ruben Olaverria and Harriette V. Moore by Tishana Bryant.
“The only way to make sure history is not lost is to have young people involved,” said Thompson, founder of the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture. “…And it has been said, and I firmly believe it is true that, before you can fully realize your future, you must know your history and your past.”
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs traced her own childhood growing up in Miami during a period of “forced integration.” While noting that much has been accomplished and that we live in a much more integrated society today,” she said, more remains to be done so that “all children have the same opportunity.”
Perhaps Valencia College Professor John Scolaro, who portrayed Jack Greenberg, former Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and currently Professor of Law at Columbia University’s Law School, summed up the 2014 Juneteenth and 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act commemoration best when he said:
“Even today racism is not an antiquated phenomenon of the past… We should never remain silent. So my advice is to speak out when injustice rears its ugly head, even today.”
Today’s commemoration was held at the Wells’ Built Museum on West South Street, in Orlando, site of the former Wells’ Built Hotel, one of very few locations where Blacks could stay during the period of segregation.
