PRESS RELEASE
Celebrate with Your Neighbors at the 3rd Annual Staten Island Juneteenth Freedom Parade & Festival
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc., in collaboration with key community partners, will host the 3rd Annual Staten Island Juneteenth Freedom Parade on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
This historical, educational and culturally developed event commemorates and “edu-tains" attendees about the end of chattel slavery in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to inform enslaved Black Americans of their freedom — more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
At this year's 3rd Annual Staten Island Juneteenth Freedom Parade, there will be four themes and
will line up at 11:00AM on School Road & Bay Street (outside of Arthur Von Briesen Park & Ft. Wadsworth), Staten Island, NY 10305 and ends at 1:00PM at Tappen Park-Stapleton on Bay Street (between Water & Canal Streets):
1. Harriet Tubman Parade Float: Tubman was an American abolitionist and social activist. Tubman will be portrayed by Assata Alston. This float includes the Free Enslaved and African Drums with Gregory Taylor and Femi NYC. Parade participants are encouraged to wear 19th Century period attire to represent the reclamation of our royal status.
2. Madam C.J. Walker Parade Float: Walker was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist., This float will focus on entrepreneurship. Parade participants are encouraged to wear African-American inspired, creative business attire, and/or black owned clothing brands to show highlight and leverage our collective buying power that elevates our financial and economic status in the world
3. Civil Rights Freedom Fighters Walk: The ATU 726 Black Caucus encourages parade participants to dress up as, and/or create encouraging signage honoring the freedom fighters throughout African-American history.All signs must be approved and be free of derogatory or offensive language.
4. Afrofuturism Float: Music will be provided by DJ Girl On the Rocks. Parade participants are encouraged to wear bold, colorful, and creative futuristic attire. This float is dedicated to the evolution of Black thought and culture, expressed through art, creative works, and activism that reimagines, reinterprets, and reclaims the past and present for a more empowering future for African Americans
The 3rd Annual Staten Island Juneteenth Freedom Parade continues to be significant because it will march on Bay Street and through the Rosebank Corridor. Historically this corridor was infamous in the 60's through the 80's, because people of color were at risk of being beaten if they tried to step foot in Rosebank. On June 15, 2024, we are thrilled to stand united with our neighboring communities and march through these liberated
streets as we commemorate and celebrate the oldest celebration of Freedom in the United States, Freedom Day.
Parade participants and sponsors include the NY Alliance Drumline, Pt. Richmond H.S. JROTC Color Guards, P.S. 59 Harborview School African Dancers, Heart of Steel Pan Band, DJ GirlOnTheRocks, African Drums with Gregory Taylor and Femi NYC, ATU 726 Black Caucus, Shaolin Ryders, Richmond County District Attorney's Office, Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc, in their 19th Century Regalia, Righteous Ryders, View 360 Construction, Northfield Bank Foundation, Richmond University Medical Center, just to name a few.
After the parade, please join us at Tappen Park-Stapleton from 1:00PM to 6:00PM. The post-parade event will include an incredible array of activities to participate in. Activities include:
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Pt. Richmond H.S. JROTC Color Guards Juneteenth Flag Ceremony,
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African Dance by P.S. 59 Harborview School, DJ music by General Tactics,
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Historical Juneteenth Reenactment by the SI Juneteenth Freedom Players, facilitated under the direction of Dorcas Meyers, President, Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc and Gregory Taylor, Alkebulan Consciousness Rising, choreographed by Yvonne Curry,
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Live performances by IamI and Jah Jah Beats, Bruce Cummings and the Messengers(R&B), MCDC Miss Cheryl's Dancers,
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Health Pavilion by Friends Who Think Pink Breast Cancer Organization,
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Youth Art Workshop with Diana Daniels,
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Chess Workshop by Killsboro Chess Club with Jerraine Williams,
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community resources, Kids Zone by Jumpn 4 Joy, shopping with unique vendors, delicious food, and more.
This event is held in collaboration with Friends Who Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Organization and Shaolin Ryders. It is an inclusive event to showcase cultural diversity on Staten Island.
MEDIA CONTACT: Dorcas Meyers
PHONE NUMBER: 917-406-7736