WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. June 14, 2008: Governor David Patterson, New York's First African-American Governor drew applause and congratulations from citizens lining Mamaroneck Avenue from one end of the thorofare to the other today as he lead the White Plains Juneteenth Parade. Walking side by side with Mayor Joseph Delfino, Governor Patterson often stopped to shake hands with sidewalk viewers of all ages and nationalities.

 Citizens turned out in large numbers, larger than St. Patrick's Day Parades and they waited patiently in the sweltering 85 degree humidity to welcome the Governor. In an unexpected address on the steps of City Hall, Governor Patterson noted that the hills around Silver Lake in White Plains was one of the first places freed slaves dwelt. He also lauded Mayor Joseph Delfino for the Mayor's reviving White Plains through development and invited the Mayor to come to Albany and serve on a committee to advise other communities and the state in what to do to get communities back on track.

Governor Patterson ( with State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, right) stopped to shake hands of many who came out to see him

Governor Patterson stirred the crowd with a short, strong speech without notes, pointing out that Juneteenth, a celebration of the freeing of the slaves during the Civil War, was more than just that, saying it was a day to celebrate "victories." He noted that 2/3 of the children around the world are still in pursuit of their heritage and freedom, but that Juneteenth was "a day to celebrate our victories." He recalled that Senator Robert Kennedy said in 1966 when asked when America might elect a black man President, said "in about 40 years." Patterson noted that now, just 42 years later, that could happen. The Governor reflected that "an African-American man could be elected President, and what it can mean to so many young people." He said one day a Hispanic could be elected Senator, or even a Republican could be elected Governor (making a well-received aside that drew many laughts) and that might be possible if Mayor Delfino ran for Governor.

Crowd Applauds Patterson's Speech. Throng lined both sides of Main Street about 10 persons deep to hear Mr. Patterson.

He said the real significance of celebrating Juneteenth, was it represented not just "the achievements of any one group, but the height of what any person can do of importance in their life."

In a brief meeting with reporters after his speech in the rotundra of City Hall, Governor Patterson said his reception was very meaningful and he took very seriously the obligation to live up to the faith the people have placed in him. He said he expected to resolve the OTB closing crisis in New York amicably with New York City to the satisfaction of both state and city.. The Governor also said when asked by WPCNR if he was personally going to review the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement decision said "Yes,"  he would without elaborating.

Mayor Delfino bids Governor Patterson a handshake as the Governor left City Hall. Mayor Delfino, in introducting the Governor said Juneteenth was "the happiest of days" because it celebrates "the dignity and potential of all human beings."