Celebration of the African Child, Juneteenth Festivities spur African-African American joint efforts

ATLANTA — On Wednesday, June 16, 2010, a press conference will be held at 12:15pm in the auditorium of The B.E.S.T Academy, 1890 D.L. Hollowell Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30318.

The press conference will highlight various African-African American joint efforts spurred by Atlanta-based initiatives and organizations involved with celebrating the African holiday on June 16th known as The Day of the African Child as well as Juneteenth on June 19th.

An African Union (AU) holiday, the “Day Of The African Child” is a commemoration of the death of 150 school children, massacred in Soweto, South Africa during 1976.  On June 16, 1991, the African Union declared this a day of national celebration to be observed in every country in Africa.  This is an international event throughout the continent of Africa, being brought to Atlanta through the local nonprofit Go Dae June 16:  The Celebration Of The African Child, Inc.  

A primary joint effort spurred by Go Dae June 16– the Go Dae Africa Resolution — will be introduced  at the press conference as a part of a larger Go Dae Africa initiative that is “bridging the divide” between Africans and African-Americans. 

“The current breakdown between Africans and African-Americans, because of slavery, [which Juneteenth commemorates the ending of] is simply just another iteration in the saga of people of African descent in their relationship to America,” proclaims Go Dae Africa spokesman Al Bartell. “Celebrating Juneteenth and The Day Of The African Child together represents the preservation of our legacy, as well as the building of a future of improving relationships between Africans and African Americans.” 

Other African-African American joint efforts to be highlighted at the press conference include the following series of events:

On Wednesday, June 16^th, at 10am, the performance of “Kirikou: I Know What I Want”(a West African children’s play) will be given at The B.E.S.T Academy(1890 D.L. Hollowell Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30318) for West Atlanta’s children and the metro Atlanta community.  A second performance will be held at 1pm. The performance is being produced by Sister Yomi, founder/director of The Journey to the Center of the Arts and supported by a collaboration between The B.E.S.T Academy and the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library, Dogwood Branch, Adult Literacy Program.

On Thursday, June 17th, from 6:30 to 8:00pm, a Go Dae Africa roundtable will be held to discuss the topic: “How can we move, as global citizens, and take steps in our collaboration, to influence public policy that impacts the quality of life for our children in Africa and here in America?”  The roundtable will take place in the Community Room, 2nd floor, at the John Hope Homes Community Center, 560 Larkin St. SW, Atlanta GA 30314. 

On Friday, June 18th, from 8:00 to 10:00pm, a Go Dae June 16 VIP Reception, Dinner, and Cultural Dance will be held in the Community Room, 2nd floor at the John Hope Homes Community Center(560 Larkin St. SW 30314)

On Saturday, June 19^th, from 10am to 5pm, Juneteenth as well as Go Dae June 16^th festivities will take place on the baseball field and grounds of the John Hope Homes Community Center(560 Larkin St. SW, Atlanta GA 30314).

Planned activities for the Saturday June 19th events include: an African Child Pride parade, a children’s African film festival, African food, music, and artwork, African fashion show, dancing, and drumming.  Local and African vendors will offer their services and products to event attendees.

Go Dae June 16: The Celebration Of The African Child, Inc. is founded and led by Exec. Director and native Sierra Leonean Mary Adoga.  Go Dae June 16 (krio for “Go There On June 16^th) intends to launch its version of the African Child holiday this year in Atlanta to bring the global spotlight for the event to the United States.

Go Dae June 16 has filed its 501 (c) (3) nonprofit application with the IRS and is incorporated in the state of Georgia. 

For more information, please contact:

June 19^th Vendors:  Ms. Wuandalyn Dabney, (404) 468-3659, weedab73@yahoo.com

Collaborative Initiatives:  Ms. Mary Adoga, Exec. Director, Go Dae June 16:  The Celebration Of The African Child, Inc., (404) 492-1479, mary.adoga@yahoo.com,  www.godajune16th.org

Artists, Actors, Musicians, Dancers, African Clothing, Videographers, Photographers:  Mr. Kutay Turay, Founder/Director Rakaba Ballet, (678) 887-6451, kutayturay@rakababallet.com,  www.rakababallet.com

“Kirikou: I Know What I Want” Stage Play:  Sister Yomi, Founder/Director, Journey To The Center Of The Arts, (678) 668-1111, sisteryomi@aol.com

Media Contact:Carrie L. Williams 1.404.397.7667carrielwilliams@yahoo.com

Go Dae June 16

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