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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2017 45 We worked really hard to prepare for the May Twisted Cabaret Show, so I hope you liked it. The Singers will be taking a little rest and be back in August to prep for our October Way Off Broadway Show and the December Holiday Show. Check upcoming Breeze articles for our start date. To join or if you have questions about the Four Seasons Singers, call (951) 797-3466 or email me at bawasco@dc.rr.com. ~ Barbara Wasco Four Seasons Singers JUNETEENTH EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION 2017: COMMEMORATING 154 YEARS SINCE THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN AMERICA History "Like the Civil War itself, slavery didn't end with one decisive act." After the Battle of Antietam in September 1862, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, which declared all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states to be freed. But southern slave owners ignored it, which meant that although slavery was over, it still needed to be enforced by a military campaign. "On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and freed the remaining states' slaves. The pronunciation of June 19th turned into Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day. Photographed left is Billy McCrea, age 89, a former slave who remembered the Union troops coming into Texas in 1865 and being told that he was free. "… I was a good size boy then…" Billy's full interview is located in the Library of Congress using this link: https://memor y.lo c.gov/ammem/col lec t ions/voices/vfssp. html#BillyMcCrea.html Society Although this occurred 901 days after Texas refused to acknowledge the law, "Juneteenth is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of those who suffered from the stain of slavery in our nation's early history, and the courage of those who struggled to secure a more perfect union. "We commemorate those who were born or sold into slavery, and those who died in the process of bringing about its end." Today, nearly all 50 states hold some form of legislation declaring or establishing Juneteenth as a holiday. Food In celebration of Juneteenth, there is a variety of themed food enjoyed, such as barbecue or smothered chicken, collard greens, red beans and rice, peanut soup, red velvet cake, and strawberry soda. This year, Juneteenth 2017 falls on a Monday. In celebration of Juneteenth, we are having a potluck dinner at the Summit. Everyone is invited and the menu theme is soul food of course! Become a part of a growing group that is striving to make a difference in our community. We meet the first Monday of the month in the Lodge Card Room at 6 pm. For more information please contact Joyce Allen at (951) 769- 4354 or Roxie Elliott at (951) 769-2517. ~ Regina Thomas African American Culture Club Photo by Ruby Terrill Lomax, Sept. 30, 1940 We meet in the Lodge Ballroom at 10:30 am on the second Tuesday of each month. Our meetings are casual but informative. June's topic is "Identity Theft: Protecting Yourself " which is a timely subject for all of us. Come join us to learn some "Tips and Tricks" for various technological gadgets and applications, and to ask questions and share knowledge with your neighbors. ~ Howard Lyon Computer Technology

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