Cooper Family Foundation Juneteenth
Tax deductible
Juneteenth (June 17, 2017) is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after Presidents Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to minimal number of union troops to enforce the Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Recounting the memories of that great day in June of 1865 and it's festivities would serve as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered by newly emancipated African Americans. These celebrations of June 19th were coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. the Juneteenth celebration was a tie for reassuring each other, for praying and for gathering remaining family members. Junesteenth continued to be highly reversed in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date.
Today, Juneteenth commemorates African-American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with joyous celebrations, guest speakers, music, and dance performances and family gatherings. It is a time fro reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and planning for the future.
The Cooper Family has led the celebration of JuneTeenth in San Diego for over 50 years. Sidney Cooper Sr. who was a businessman and pillar in the African American community led the charge in the recognition of JuneTeenth. He continued to be JuneTeenth biggest fan until he passed away. The Cooper Family continues in his spirit by keeping the recognition and celebration of this historic day in the forefront of the San Diego community. It is our intention to make this Day the biggest celebration in the city of San Diego.
In the past few years The Cooper Family has partnered with other organizations to expand and increase the publicity of JuneTeenth in the San Diego Community, with organizations such as Family Health Centers of San Diego, Stockton Recreation, and Women over Forty, and Triple Threat Ballers. Together we have grown to a coalition of over 50 community members. We feed approximately 2,500+ people which included the homeless community. Not only is this celebration recognition of Black Independence Day, but a day to unite and heal the community by providing health resources, educational programs, food, kid’s fun zone and entertainment. This is all provided to the community FREE of cost.
We are happy to say that in the past few years, given our key relationship with other organizations, JuneTeenth has evolved into a day not only for African-Americans in San Diego, but for the entire community. The population attending this event is approximately 70% African American with the other 30% of Latino, African, Caucasian, and Asian descent.
For years The Cooper Family has used their personal finances to underwrite this celebration, but now, as the JuneTeenth celebration has grown, it exceeds the personal financial capability of the family. To keep this kind of unity in the community going and making JuneTeenth a continued success, the Cooper Family needs financial assistance from other organizations and businesses that serve the San Diego Community.
All types of financial donations are appreciated. If your company or organization would like to sponsor a specific activity at the celebration and/or give a monetary donation, we would welcome your participation. You may contact Marla Cooper or Lana Cooper-Jones in this regard (information below). Please, help us continue this community tradition of fellowship and pride in the spirit of Black Independence Day.
Recounting the memories of that great day in June of 1865 and it's festivities would serve as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered by newly emancipated African Americans. These celebrations of June 19th were coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. the Juneteenth celebration was a tie for reassuring each other, for praying and for gathering remaining family members. Junesteenth continued to be highly reversed in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date.
Today, Juneteenth commemorates African-American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with joyous celebrations, guest speakers, music, and dance performances and family gatherings. It is a time fro reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and planning for the future.
The Cooper Family has led the celebration of JuneTeenth in San Diego for over 50 years. Sidney Cooper Sr. who was a businessman and pillar in the African American community led the charge in the recognition of JuneTeenth. He continued to be JuneTeenth biggest fan until he passed away. The Cooper Family continues in his spirit by keeping the recognition and celebration of this historic day in the forefront of the San Diego community. It is our intention to make this Day the biggest celebration in the city of San Diego.
In the past few years The Cooper Family has partnered with other organizations to expand and increase the publicity of JuneTeenth in the San Diego Community, with organizations such as Family Health Centers of San Diego, Stockton Recreation, and Women over Forty, and Triple Threat Ballers. Together we have grown to a coalition of over 50 community members. We feed approximately 2,500+ people which included the homeless community. Not only is this celebration recognition of Black Independence Day, but a day to unite and heal the community by providing health resources, educational programs, food, kid’s fun zone and entertainment. This is all provided to the community FREE of cost.
We are happy to say that in the past few years, given our key relationship with other organizations, JuneTeenth has evolved into a day not only for African-Americans in San Diego, but for the entire community. The population attending this event is approximately 70% African American with the other 30% of Latino, African, Caucasian, and Asian descent.
For years The Cooper Family has used their personal finances to underwrite this celebration, but now, as the JuneTeenth celebration has grown, it exceeds the personal financial capability of the family. To keep this kind of unity in the community going and making JuneTeenth a continued success, the Cooper Family needs financial assistance from other organizations and businesses that serve the San Diego Community.
All types of financial donations are appreciated. If your company or organization would like to sponsor a specific activity at the celebration and/or give a monetary donation, we would welcome your participation. You may contact Marla Cooper or Lana Cooper-Jones in this regard (information below). Please, help us continue this community tradition of fellowship and pride in the spirit of Black Independence Day.
Organizer
Marla Cooper
Organizer
San Diego, CA
Cooper Family Foundation
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
