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46 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2019 Why We Celebrate Juneteenth: The history books have glorified Abraham Lincoln for freeing the slaves. But really only the slaves who lived near Union lines - where they were able to flee their plantations and take advantage of opportunities in the north, were free. Basically, the slaves freed themselves as their new-found freedom was rejected by southern and racially separatist white people. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Granger, rode into Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War was over and Texas' 250,000 slaves were now officially free. This was two-and-a-half years after Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Major General Granger issued an order to the people of Texas proclaiming that "All slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor." "Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of Juneteenth as the African-American Emancipation Day has spread across and beyond the United States. Juneteenth commemorates African-American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and, in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is also a time for assessment, self-improvement, and future planning for African- American progress. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a sad and emotional period in US history that shaped and continues to influence our society today." -Juneteenth.com The AACC will be holding its Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 19, at The Courts from 5 to 8 pm. This event is open to the entire Four Seasons community. The cost is only $5 plus a side dish. Please call either club member listed below to RSVP no later than June 5. Other upcoming event(s) June 6 – Transform A Nation: Wellness Classes – Every Thursday at 11 am in the RCN Building Room #3 Dec. 14 – AACC Christmas Gala AACC Meetings: The AACC meets on the first Monday of each month in The Lodge Game Room at 6 pm. For further information, please contact Joyce Allen at (951) 769-4354 or Roxie Elliott at (951) 769-2517 ~ Regina Thomas African American Cultural Club Seasoned Solos If you are single and enjoy a variety of activities, then Seasoned Solos just might be the group for you. At each meeting we discuss what is going on in the Inland Empire and plan activities for the coming month, from local lunches and dinners to excursions to presidential libraries, the Redlands Bowl, Metro Link trips into LA, and the beach train to San Juan Capistrano. There's not much that we won't consider doing. We meet on the first Friday of each month in The Lodge Arts & Crafts Room at 6 pm. For further information, call Joyce at (951) 850-3055. ~ Joyce Olson