WPCNR CITY HALL LIMITS. By John F. Bailey. June 17, 2004: Mayor Joseph Delfino announced the formation of the White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee of  some 30 community leaders representing all ethnicities to plan the first ever White Plains African American Heritage Festival. The first event will be a picnic in Liberty Park on Silver Lake to be held this Saturday from 12 to 2 P.M. to galvanize the committee. In the fall fund-raising events will be held to generate funds and sponsors to stage a parade on our about June 19 in 2005.

COMMITEE LAUNCH:  Mayor Joseph Delfino, at the podium, Thursday morning, announcing the beginning of a year long effort to stage a White Plains Juneteenth Festival. Councilman Glen Hockley was given credit for spearheading the committee's formation. Councilman Benjamin Boykin told WPNCR that funding efforts would begin this fall and winter and would include a gospel music concert and a film festival, culminating in a parade and series of educational activities next June that would recognize the anniversary of the freeing of the slaves in Galveston, Texas,  June 19, 1865.  White Plains residents and others interested in  getting involved with the parade and festival can contact the White Plains Department of Recreation and Parks at 422-1336. Photo by WPCNR News