WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. June 4, 2008: Mayor Joseph Delfino of White Plains announced the 2008 fourth annual Juneteenth Parade commemorating the date of June 19, 1865 when slaves in Galveston, Texas first learned of the freeing of the slaves by President Abraham Lincoln, and proudly announced that New York’s new Governor David A. Patterson had accepted an invitation to be Grand Marshall of  the White Plains celebration of diversity on June 14.

Governor David A. Patterson, New York State's First Black Governor will be the Grand Marshal of the June 14 Juneteenth Parade in White Plains. Photo, The Governor's Press Office

Mayor Delfino, surrounded by the parade sponsors remarked that the Junteenth commemoration was the only parade honoring the June 19 date in New York State, and that was one of the reasons the Governor had decided to honor White Plains. Left to right, Debra Wall, Entergy, Councilman Benjamin Boykin, Jennifer Fernandez, Entergy; John Buckner, Verizon, Janet Langsum of the Westchester Arts Council, and Bernie Thombs, speaking for Coca Cola.

White Plains corporate angels -- Verizon, Entergy, Coca Cola and the Westchester Arts Council --  contributed $27,500 to sponsor the parade, Mayor Delfino said the Juneteenth Parade was another great day in White Plains that celebrates  the freeing of the slaves during the Civil War.

 He described White Plains as “a place where you can come here, work hard and pursue your dreams and make a better life for your family. White Plains greatest strength is its diversity, and Juneteenth is a celebration of African-American tradition, education and achievement….what makes us great is that people have respect for each other, and we should never lose sight of the importance of respect for each other.”

Verizon’s John Buckner presented a check for $15,000; Entergy, $7,500; the Westchester Arts Council, $2,500, and Coca Cola, $2,500.

The Mayor said he hoped to arrange some event with the Governor, but he did not know if the Governor's appearance would entail additional activities featuring the Governor in White Plains, media opportunities, or other events. The Mayor said he would be attempting with the Governor's office to arrange additional events, if possible.

The concept of the Juneteenth Parade was originally suggested by the late activist, Ron Jackson, Daryll Jenkins, and Councilman Glen Hockley.

According to Daryll Jenkins of the Juneteenth Committee Governor Patterson was invited by  Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Debra Clay to be the parade Grand Marshall. Ms. Clay is a member of the Juneteenth Committee that works to stage the parade the last three years.

The Juneteenth Committee, 2008, organizers of the Juneteenth Parade.