CCAAL, Inc. and Garrison School Cultural Center In the News

Members of the Clay County African American Legacy Inc. will host its 18th annual Juneteenth Celebration and the 141st Anniversary of Garrison School at Shoal Creek Golf Course Clubhouse located at 8905 N. Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29th.  Garrison, established in 1877, is the one remaining historically black educational institution still standing in Clay County. Today it is a cultural center that houses the Clay County African American Gallery. Tickets for the event are $50.00 and will include a soul food dinner, silent auction, and musical entertainment featuring “Mark Anderson and Christian Friends” of Greater Kansas City.  The Keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Carmaletta Williams, Retired Professor Emerita, Johnson County Community College.

Proceeds from the program will benefit the Garrison Capital Improvement Campaign and provide elementary and high school students participating in the two major educational programs, LURP (Lion and Unicorn Reading Program and ASEM (Advanced Student Educational Mentoring) an exciting, learning adventure. Since 2003, more than 4,000 students have participated in these programs hosted collaboratively with William Jewell College and the Liberty School District. For community residents who would like to become members of the Garrison School Circle of Friends, annual memberships will be available for purchase at $20.00 each. Table sponsorships are $500.00 and individual sponsorships are available from $50.00 to $500.00.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed enslaved African Americans January 1, 1863, but many did not find out they were free until 1865 due to the war between the states still raging. Slaves in Texas did not find out they were free until June 19, 1865 and Missouri slaves did not receive their freedom until January 11, 1865.  Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas where it is an official holiday, but it is only one of a number of freedom day celebrations held on various dates commemorating the end of slavery across the country. The CCAAL Inc. of Liberty is proud to host this historic event for northland community residents.

Contact: Dr. Cecelia Robinson, CCAAL Inc. Historian-816-591-6199

Email: robinsonc@william.jewell.edu