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Juneteenth Shows Hope for
Richmond's Future

Posted on Sunday, June 20, 2004

By Matt Krupnick
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

RICHMOND - Despite the upbeat gospel and rap music that marked Saturday's Juneteenth festival, the grumbles were far from drowned out. Attendees split time between learning about African-American history and Richmond's financial malaise, which had nearly done in the decades-old event. Faced with a loss of city funding, organizers rounded up enough money for the celebration in six weeks. The last-minute event was not enough to make participants forget economic problems plaguing Richmond.

"The city's in a meltdown," said Malia Everette of the Richmond Progressive Alliance, one of the celebration's organizers. "You can tell (the event is) just a little more humble."

With a "Family Day" theme, the affair also included educational displays about famous African-Americans and baseball and barbecue contests. Pictures of Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. DuBois and other African-American figures adorned trees at Nicholl Park. Religious music and inspirational poetry attracted the largest crowds.

"God is a good God, and he's worthy to be praised," sang a gospel choir, accompanied by a funk band.

Some attendees were inspirational on their own. Fransconja McDowell, a "block mom" who lives near the park, said she has attended the Juneteenth event for more than 20 years and has faith Richmond can improve.

The city addressed a staggering deficit this spring with $28 million in cuts and other measures, and holiday events fell victim. Separately, West Contra Costa schools also have made major cuts in spending this year and next.

"We plan on doing some work around Richmond," she said. "Lord, we're not going to let this city go down."

A raffle with a $500 prize required entrants to answer questions about black history, city finances, industrial pollution and international politics. The front of the questionnaire read, "Another Richmond is possible!"

The Rev. Willie Cobb of Ever Ready Baptist Church in Richmond said he has noticed increasing litter in the city's parks and streets but believes the situation will improve soon.

"I have great hope," he said, preparing to judge the barbecue contest. "I never, never give up."

Juneteenth commemorates the date - June 19, 1865 - when the last U.S. slaves were freed. More than 200 cities nationwide celebrate the holiday.

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Reach Matt Krupnick at 925-228-6176 or mkrupnick@cctimes.com.