Wendale Davis Foundation to Host Bakersfield's Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration

    BAKERSFIELD, CA, June 18, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Juneteenth has been celebrated since the early 1900s, and in some states it is recognized as a state holiday, or special day of observance. Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas State on June 19, 1865. Texas was the last state to comply with Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, and resulted in the last remaining African-American slaves to be freed.

Juneteenth is observed primarily on a local, community-to-community basis, and the activities vary from picnics to barbecues, street fairs, and public readings of historical accounts of slavery to concerts. How the day is celebrated is not nearly as impactful as communities coming together to celebrate freedom. The foundation of this celebration is built upon education and achievement. Communities nationwide leverage this day to promote awareness, and to embrace their heritage.

"Juneteenth is not just for the black community", explains Wesley Davis, Jr., President of the Wendale Davis Foundation. "Our goal is to break ethnic barriers in our community, by educating and empowering individuals to reach out and get involved. I believe that as a united community we can make this a better world for the generation growing up in it."

Juneteenth is observed not just out of respect for the past, but hope for future. These community-unique celebrations strengthen partnerships in creating harmony and peace, which should always be our top priority.

The Wendale Davis Foundation extends an open invitation to residents of Bakersfield, and surrounding communities to join them on June 21, 2014 at Beech Park, located at Oak Street and 24th Street. The celebration begins at 3:00 pm and will include food, games, vendors and music. It would be a great honor to celebrate freedom with everyone.

The Wendale Davis Foundation (WDF) is a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to motivate, encourage, and inspire individuals from all walks of life to both help themselves and the community. We provide tutoring, life skills training, and peer mentoring to those who are trying to avoid or leave behind the lifestyle that contributes to violence or criminal behavior. The foundation was established after an innocent 16-year-old young man, Wendale Davis, was murdered on April 23, 2006. There are many others, young and old, who have lost their lives prematurely to violence. However, we still have an opportunity to help those who are in search of an alternative.

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