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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | AUGUST 2022 | 11
And a great time was had by all who attended the Juneteenth Celebration
which was held on the Plaza on June 17 and hosted by the Bid Whist Plus
Social Club. Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation
of enslaved African Americans, was first celebrated in Galveston, Texas
on June 19, 1865, and was recognized as a federal holiday in June 2021.
Donny Brown, co-chair of the Bid Whist Plus Social Club, moderated the
event. Club member and retired chaplain Reverend Alice Gilbert opened
the event with a prayer. This was followed by a poetry reading from Four
Seasons' resident, Dr. Vernita Black. Founding Bid Whist Club member
and Vice Admiral Edward Moore, Jr's (USN Retired) keynote presentation,
put in perspective that, as a national holiday, Juneteenth is to be celebrated
by all Americans. The music and dancing began after the playing of
the national anthem. Entertainment was provided by our very own Art
Martel, the DJ, and the popular band, Motown Soundz. In addition to the
speakers and entertainment, a special shout-out goes out to Donny Brown,
his wife, Carmen Vega, and all the 40 volunteers whose efforts made this
event possible. From the funds collected, a $500 charitable contribution
was made to UNICEF on behalf of the Bid Whist Plus Social Club. Given
the success of the Juneteenth celebration, the Bid Whist Plus Social Club is
looking forward to sponsoring future events.
Bid Whist Plus Social Club's Juneteenth Party
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