For Immediate Release
May 28, 2010

Contact: Lisa Anderson or Alice Jung
480-835-7358

info@mesahistoricalmuseum.org
www.mesahistoricalmuseum.org

Mesa Juneteenth Lecture and Program

(Mesa, Ariz.) – Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Activities that commemorate African American freedom and which emphasize education and achievement are held on June 19th and throughout the month of June.

In honor of Juneteenth, Hallelujah: the Churches of Washington Park examines Mesa’s first African American neighbored, Washington Park and how its history has grown around five distinct churches in one square mile. A display and photos from the neighborhood can be viewed at all three Mesa Public Library branches and at the Washington Park Community Center beginning June 9 through the end of June.

In addition, a lecture at the Library’s Main Branch in Mesa by distinguished Professor Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, Mesa resident and Associate Professor of United States History, African and American Studies, and Justice and Social Inquiry at Arizona State University. Dr. Whittaker will speak about the importance of African American churches in our community. The lecture will be held in the Library’s Saguaro Room located on the second floor at 64 E. First St. on June 12 from 11am-noon.

A second presentation at the Washington Park Community Center featuring speaker Dr. Edward Dawson of the Communication/Arts Department at South Mountain Community College, will take place on June 26th. Dr. Dawson will speak about the importance of African American churches in the community at the Washington Activity Center located at 44 E. Fifth St in Mesa.

Who: Mesa Historical Society and Museum, the City of Mesa, and the Mesa Public Library

What: Juneteenth program: Hallelujah: the Churches of Washington Park

Where: Mesa City Libraries and Washington Park Community Center
Main Branch Library: 64 E First St., Mesa, AZ 85201
Dobson Branch: 2425 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, AZ 85202
Red Mountain Branch: 635 N. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205
Washington Park Community Center: 44 E Fifth St., Mesa, AZ 85201

When: Beginning June 9, 2010

Free Admission to all programs