1 Teresa Vargas
From: Jennings Home <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2023 12:51 PM
To: website_cco
Subject: [**EXTERNAL**] February 13, 2023 agenda item 6.2 public comment-Submission #2 While Juneteenth celebrates the day that slaves in America were told of their freedom, two and a half years after the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation, it is also a National Holiday and celebration of the contributions that Black people have given to America both with and without consent.
Since 2010, the population of Blacks in Lathrop has increased by 25%. Seeking housing that is affordable, raising families in a safe environment, supporting an education system that is supportive and progressive, and contributing to the Lathrop community through participation and economic support, many Black Families from moved to San Joaquin Valley, and Lathrop specific, for greater access to the life they sought for their family.
It is important to engage and embrace the cultural and ethnic diversity of Lathrop as this city, due to the vast development over the last 10 year, has quickly changed. While wanting to have all the previous things above, it is also important to the community as a whole to learn, celebrate, and participate in these differences. There have been many celebrations that recognize the diversity and cultural richness that exists in Lathrop including Diwali, Church Service in the Park, Lathrop Incorporation Day, 4th of July, various parades, Walks in Solidarity, and other community activities.
It is interesting that we are here today, speaking to you about ‘approving access’ to the one thing the 2022 San Joaquin Community Health Improvement Plan is focusing on… Access to the Use of Green Spaces in San Joaquin Cities and County to promote and improve the Health, Wellness, Access, and Community engagement of the people in the Valley. While we are all in agreement that green spaces should be open to all, especially when using them in accordance with the applications, requirements, and processes set forth by the City Parks and Recreations District, the City Manager, and the Council, I ask this question:
“Why did the city choose to ‘refer’ this matter to the Council versus following regular policy and procedure for approval or denial of the Black Lathrop Item 6.2 Public Comment Provided by
Rosita Jennings _2nd Comment.
2 Society’s application to use the Generation Center outdoor space; a space that is open to us all?”
I am here to encourage you to be a champion for a continuing growing ethnic community in Lathrop while celebrating its rich history in America. On June 17, 2021, America took a huge leap forward by recognizing Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday. Falling in the middle of the “Honor America Days” (the 21 Days between Flag day and 4th of July), Black and Non-Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for 158 years, ranging from large celebrations and paradeslike those in Houston, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, New York City, Chicago, Illinois, and the Bay Area, California, to small celebrations in homes, churches, and local parks and green spaces.
We are seeking to share our History and Passion for the Black Community with the citizens of Lathrop. From our rich history of inventions (a Black man invented the modern version of this microphone), to our food, music, dance, beliefs and partnerships with community organizations, large businesses, elected officials and local entrepreneurs, we are ready to share our love for Lathrop by opening this celebration to all in the City of Lathrop. We want to have this event at the Generation Center not only because the space is beautiful, convenient, and accessible to all in our community, but the fact that we are bringing the many generations of Black People in our community to tell stories, break bread, and celebrate in dance with the rest of our community during the National Holiday Celebration, is an opportunity to continue to break down the history of silos and divisiveness that continues to plague America unnecessarily; as noted in this appeal of our application to use property that is owned and maintained by the resources we bring to the community.
We, the Citizens of Lathrop, have an opportunity to be forward thinking, innovative, and reflective while learning more about our similarities versus always starting with our differences.
While not the normal process for approval, It would be in the interest of Lathrop City Council to ‘approve’ through referral the use of the space for the First Ever Lathrop Citywide Juneteenth Celebration at the Generation Center. Our community, our children and our sponsors are waiting for you to do the right thing.
In partnership,
3 Rosita Jennings, tax payer