Click image to open high-res version, then right-click to download
ST. LOUIS, MO– Africans Rising Together 2063 will hold the first annual Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Walkathon A Long Journey to Equal Citizenship at Cricket Field in Forest Park on Saturday, June 19, 2021.Juneteenth is the most recognized Emancipation Day celebration in the United States. It commemorates the day that enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas, heard the news of their freedom. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863; the news did not reach the entire country until June 19, 1865.
For the first time, Mayor Tishaura Jones, Honorary Chair of the Walkathon, has marked Juneteenth as a city holiday. Friday, June 18th will be a paid holiday for city employees in honor of Juneteenth.
“It is an honor to be named Honorary Chair for this inaugural Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Walkathon event. Juneteenth is a day when we not only celebrate our freedom, but also recognize that that freedom should not be taken for granted because we all know it is never guaranteed. I encourage everyone to show up, celebrate their heritage, and reflect on our shared history so we can build a brighter future for all in St. Louis and around the world,” Mayor Jones said.
Proceeds raised will assist Africans Rising Together 2063 to promote education, cultural awareness, and training on building wealth among African Americans, Africans in the Diaspora, Africans on the Continent and other citizens.
“The Walkathon will serve as a vehicle to unite the community and mark this important month in our history and provide knowledge about the significance of the Caribbean Heritage Month, Emancipation Proclamation, also known as the African American Preamble, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments that legislate equal citizenship in the United States of America,” said Dr. James Tucker, President of Africans Rising Together 2063.
The family-friendly, one or three-mile walkathon path will feature biographical information about influential Black historical activists and the history and significance of Juneteenth and Caribbean Heritage Month. Participants will sign up for one of four two-hour walks between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $18.65 onsite or in advance at http://bit.ly/JuneteenthWalkathon. The price was chosen because 1865 is the year slaves received word that they were free and the year when the 13th Amendment was ratified.
“From America’s earliest days, Caribbean Americans have contributed to the success, spirit and character of our Nation. For generations, their skills, knowledge, innovation, and initiative have enhanced and advanced many aspects of our society. During National Caribbean American Heritage Month and through this event, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of the more than 4.4 million people with origins in the Caribbean,” said Tucker.
Event partners include One Family Church, St. Louis Community Credit Union, Children’s Dental Zone, Ethical Society of Police and Save A Lot and individual partners. For partnership opportunities, www.art2063.org.
For more information about the event, visit https://art2063.org/upcoming-events, email Keith Long at [email protected] or call 314-728-6696.
ABOUT AFRICANS RISING TOGETHER
Africans Rising Together 2063 is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate people of African descent concerning the true historical significance of our experience, culture, and contributions to the world. We raise awareness of a broad range of cultural issues by leveraging education toward holistic transformation, positive actions, and strategic connections. ART 2063 provides a platform powered by partners with the shared vision of improving education, economic development, and social conditions for people of African descent globally. ART 2063’s action plan includes organizing strategic initiatives to create social, economic, cultural awareness and wealth. This will eradicate poverty and illiteracy and usher in the reconciliation and restoration of people of African descent. ART 2063’s goal is to facilitate societal transformation through the collaboration of holistic development within in 9 Mountains That Transform Society: Arts, Sports, and Entertainment; Business and Economy; Education and Reconciliation; Family; Government and International Relations; Media; Religion; Science and technology, and Security (food and water). For more information, visit www.art2063.org
# # #
Media Contact
Rachel Brown
314-721-6556
[email protected]