Below is an email I have sent to Frankie Quijano, President and CEO of PRIDE regarding PRIDE Houston moving their parade date to the weekend of Juneteenth. Here is a well written article on the topic to read as well: transgriot.blogspot/2014/11/pride-houston-what-were-you-thinking.html?m=1 Mr. Quijan, my name is Edward Pollard and I am the President of the Houston Black American Democrats. I am also an attorney and member of the historic Antioch Missionary Baptist Church downtown (oldest black church in Houston built by the newly freed slaves in 1866). I am writing you because I have received news that PRIDE Houston has decided to change the date and location of the PRIDE Parade to Juneteenth weekend downtown. I am not sure if you are aware of the significance of Juneteenth Holiday/Weekend in Houston but it is arguably the most highly recognized and celebrated weekend for Blacks, especially in Houston. Juneteenth is the weekend Texans remember and celebrate the abolishment and emancipation of black slaves in our state. The holiday is celebrated because although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln in 1862 and went into effect on January 1, 1863, slaves in Texas did not get news of their freedom until June of 1865. Leaders in Houston have fought for Juneteenth to be a recognized and celebrated holiday in Texas and our community deserves for that celebration not to have to compete with the attention and coverage of the PRIDE Parade. The black community understands more than any community what it feels like to be discriminated against. We understand what it means to fight for equality. That is one common bond we share with the LGBT community. Many efforts, sacrifices, and lost lives of our ancestors have afforded the civil rights that you and I have today. It is my hope that you will not move the PRIDE parade to our historic Juneteenth celebration and respect that it is a weekend we want all people around Texas to reflect on our past and celebrate our present. I would not be opposed to speaking with you further on this topic in person and I look forward to your response. Best regards.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 18:57:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015