May 29, 2003

Event celebrates black emancipation

The cultural history of African American life along the American River will be commemorated in a Juneteenth celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Negro Bar State Park in Folsom.

Reclaiming the Past: African Americans Along the American River is a tribute to California’s African American Gold Rush era pioneers. It’s also designed to enlist community support for an interpretive center at Negro Bar State Park. Negro Bar was named for a sand bar on the American River where Negro miners first found gold in 1849.

Juneteenth activities include: an open microphone for poets, a Buffalo Soldier presentation, historical lectures and gold-mining camp replications.

The event has numerous community sponsors including California State University, Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to bring picnic lunches, beverages and portable grills to the free event. There are no food vendors on the premises. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park.

For more information, call (916) 278-7302. For media assistance, contact CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.