Sunday, Jun. 22, 2008

Obama helps Modesto's blacks to believe

Locals hopeful on Juneteenth, anniversary of slavery's demise

For Brenda Fifer and others who gathered in Modesto to celebrate Juneteenth, the holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States was more meaningful this year with the first African-American presidential candidate nominated by one of the two major political parties.

Fifer said Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic Party, has brought about a lot of hope for a substantial role for blacks in the political process.

"This is a new beginning," said Fifer, 63, of Modesto. "This is going to go down in history. This is going to be in my grandson's schoolbooks."

Fifer said she hopes Obama's run for president will inspire more black youths to stay in school, seek careers and aspire to greatness.

The sentiment was repeated by several others who were among the 800 gathered Saturday at Graceada Park to participate in the annual Juneteenth celebration sponsored by the King-Kennedy Memorial Center and the city of Modesto.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the war was over and the slaves were free.

Community groups across the country use the day to remember the past, but this year, John Ervin of the King-Kennedy center had visions of the future.

"We've come a long way," Ervin said with a big smile. "We have a viable candidate for president. Nobody ever thought we would live to see this day in our lifetime. It's inspiring."

He said Obama's candidacy can be a catalyst that unifies the black community.

"That can be a battle cry around his candidacy," Ervin said. "This has the potential to rally people. That our votes can and do count."

It wasn't all about politics at the community celebration, which included music, a youth art and photo exhibit, information booths, a children's book giveaway, spoken word performances and children's games with prizes.

The Juneteenth celebration will continue today with the Black Film Festival showing movies and documentaries highlighting black culture. The festival is from noon to 7 p.m. at the King-Kennedy center at 601 S. Martin Luther King Drive in Modesto.

"What's important for us as a people is awareness," said James Anderson, 73, pastor at Christian Love Baptist Church in west Modesto. "It's all about awareness."

Ceciley Smith, 18, a Beyer High graduate and her sister Cameryn, 13, participated in a Christian hip-hop performance on the amphitheater stage. They said this year's Juneteenth had a new meaning.

"(Obama's candidacy) is bringing about change," Ceciley Smith said. "Now, we're getting more involved and we talk about the campaign a lot with our parents at home."

Ahmad Sonley, 16, and his cousin Tariq Muhammad, 19, both of Stockton, were at the celebration with relatives from Modesto. They said Obama's presidential run is a groundbreaking issue that needs to be discussed more in schools.

"That's like history to have a black president," Ahmad said. "The campaign should definitely be a part of the conversation."

Cheryl James, 47, and her twin sister, Shirrelle Shiel, both of Modesto, spoke eagerly about their hope for more black voters on Election Day. They also shared their hopethat black youths will be inspired by Obama.

"When they see George Washington on the wall, now they can envision Obama up on that wall," James said.

Shiel said "even if Obama doesn't make it, he has already impacted his community. Now they can dream, and they can dream big."

To comment, click on the link with this story at www.modbee.com. Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or 578-2394.