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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY.  By the WPCNR Roving Photographer. June13,2009 UPDATED WITH MORE PIX, June 14, 2009: Juneteenth 2009 — the celebration of the freeing of the slaves in 1863, was celebrated by all walks and creeds of life today at the annual Juneteenth parade in White Plains. Despite a continuing steady drizzle during the hourlong parade which stretched from City Hall on Main Street to the beginning of Mamaroneck Avenue, an orderly and warm crowd cheered and waived to a large contingent of marching adults and youth, and a full compliment of politicians. Many enjoyed al fresco dining while waiting for the long contingent of celebrants to pass by. Here are some sights and sounds. The majority of groups marching represented White Plains organizations.

 

Dr. Olivia J.Hooker, a true heroine appeared in the White Plains Juneteenth Parade. Dr. Hooker is a survivor of the infamous Tulsa Riot of May 31,1921, in the racially segregated Greenwood Neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. That night, in 16 hours of rioting, 35 city blocks were burned, 39 persons “reported” killed, 10 white and 29 Black. The Red Cross reported 300 Blacks were killed by local militia and others. The Tulsa Riot was the worst race riot in US history. To read eyewitness accounts of the riot, WPCNR suggests going to http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/45a/147.html

 

Dr. Hooker, right, with Dr. John Hope Franklin in a 1999 photograph. Dr. Hooker and Dr. Franklin were children at the time of the Tulsa riot. Their stories my been seen in a video just released, which is available at http://www.beforetheydiemove.com

 

 

 

Here comes the Parade at Mamaroneck and Post Road.

 

Even the Renaissance Square Fountain was dancing.

The Black Scholars Recognized by WPHS

Calvary Baptist Church

Centro Hispano

The Board of Education.

Mayor of White Plains, Joseph Delfino (in Panama Hat), leading the Common Council

Common Council with with County and State Brass.

National Expression — steel drum band warmed up the crowd as the parade, made up predominantly White Plains organizations, made its way up the southend of Mamaroneck Avenue.

 

 

 

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. June 12,2009:  Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors confirmed today the settlement of a two year contract (through 2010-11) with the school district’s  Civil Service Employees Association employees who number about 500 workers.

 

Connors said the union members will receive a 2% salary increase in each of the next two years. They will have their co-pay on their medical plan go up $15 to $20, and the district eliminated one health care provider, enabling the district to reduce their premium.