Events

Juneteenth Pushes Voter Registration

Community Activists Rally Change  

When Dr. Deborah Winn gave thought to how her organization WWAM, Inc., could  commemorate the celebration ending slavery in America, Juneteenth, she realized that the greatest tribute and challenge was literally right outside here front door.

A four year resident of Wall Avenue in San Bernardino, CA, Winn says she and her husband saw past the bleak future confronting many of their neighbors. 

She states, "Our greatest concern was our young men, shootings, gang violence, drugs, prostitution, abandoned properties, loitering and seniors afraid to go outside after 5:00 pm.  We knew there had to be hope, given San Bernardino was once one of America's greatest cities. We know the people in this vary community can be part of making that happen again." 

Part of such effort will take place on June 20 (12p - 5p) as WWAM host the multicultural, family centered "It Starts At Home (ISAH) Block by Block Neighborhood Community Juneteenth Celebration." 

Featured will be resources for jobs, housing, utility assistance, health services, business development, guest speakers and more.  Additionally, a strong push for voter registration will be a major agenda for the day.  WWAM has already received the forms and will be active in discussing the importance and power of voting with residents. 

Additionally, pastors and ministries from local congregations will begin the event with praise and worship, as well as, prayer block-by-block.  Street Positive CEO, Terry Boykins, will be doing a special outreach and engament with fathers in the community. 

Dr. Winn has invited long-time friend and famed community advocate and trailblazer, Dr. "Sweet Alice" Walker (a.k.a. Mother of Watts) to be the keynote speaker.  She comments, "Working together we can rally and return our city to the place people want to call home.  Wall Ave. stands ready to do its part for the good."

For information contact WWAM, Inc.at (323) 733-4909(323) 733-4909.  Or, e-mail: eparker@antioch.edu