This year's celebration emphasized the oneness of community, evidenced by an expanded diversity of participants beyond the first.  Local and out-of-town vendors showcased an array of products and services--including the CDC, which sold out of hotdogs.  Dancers and singers, young and not-so-young made the day's sweltering heat bearable. 

Performances included: Appointed II, a dance group led by Jacqui Thompson, Minister Debra Bryant of Charlotte, the J.L. Glenn Singers, Grandma Cornsilk, Raeford Dance Arts, Niecy McAllister McRae, The Jefferson Twins, Yawa Tupra, masterful storyteller, and others.

Vendors and crafts people included Word In Season Publications, Oni's Reading Rainbow, The Word on Wheels, West Hoke CDC, Fanta's Fashions, Books and Things, The Natural Way, and others.

  2nd Juneteenth Celebration

Held in Hoke

Hoke County citizens celebrated the county's second successive Juneteenth commemoration June 16th, Father's Day weekend, on the grounds and outdoor stage of the Hoke County Public Library. 

This cultural event continued last year's theme of "Fathers, Families, and our Future" through a diverse group of entertainers, speakers, vendors and attendees celebrating American African heritage and history connected to ending African slavery one hundred thirty-nine years ago.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of that slavery. Volume 5, Issue 2 of this publication explains that history in more detail--as does Juneteenth Worldwide Celebration on the website at:  www.Juneteenth.com .

"A People Without Vision Will Perish"...Catch the Vision!

What Does Blue Springs CDC Do?

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We hear this question  often. Here are some answers. There are six CDC focus areas of service.  They are:

1. Family Assistance and Support Services

Financial support is provided to families with Emergency  Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funding to prevent utility service disconnection and/or to assist with the restoration of utility services; assist displaced residents find shelter for up to a week, and to provide assistance on rental or mortgage payments. Referrals are provided by area agencies for these services.

2. Youth and Adolescent Services

Since 1997, the CDC has provided direct services to young people in Hoke County to address the void in structured recreational facilities, deter delinquency, and offer programs that foster academic success. 

(See details on web site)

Continued Page 5

Summer 2002  A Community Information Source of  the Blue Springs-Hoke  County CDC   Volume 6,  Number 3

Dee Lloyd (l) and Bria Jefferson (r) posing as the  "Official Community Greeters''. Chaplin George Cooke is captured with his raffle jar (in the foreground). The community came out!!!

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