to:	Debra Van Saun, Asst. City Manager
from:	Donna M. Bell, Juneteenth Committee Co-Chair
	Janine Colter, Juneteenth Committee Co-Chair
subject:	2005 Juneteenth Celebration
date:	4/27/2005
	Attached to this memo you will find a 2005 Mid-Year Funding Request form for $5,000 for the Lawrence Juneteenth Celebration.  As you know we had a very successful first event in 2004. For a first time effort, we were extremely fortunate to have support from key sponsors such as the Boys and Girls Club, the University of Kansas, the Lawrence Arts Center and the City of Lawrence. Our Oral History Event, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Poster Contest and Festival at Burcham Park (which included Underground Railroad Tours) all had programming and attendance that exceeded our expectations.
	We are actively planning for the 2005 Celebration which will take place June 12 – 18. Last year in an effort to avoid asking for funds in a mid-year request, the Juneteenth Committee added a line item request to the Ecumenical Fellowship’s request. Unfortunately, that organization’s request was not fully funded and the City’s intent to fund the 2005 Juneteenth Celebration was not clearly understood by all and so, we find ourselves requesting consideration for funding at this time.
	Juneteenth is a national celebration of triumph, progress and pride…not unlike the story of Lawrence itself. The Juneteenth Committee is committed to raising awareness of our rich history, to increasing our youth’s knowledge of our history and to promoting diversity and tolerance. We believe this is a worthwhile endeavor that benefits not only African Americans in Lawrence, but the entire population as well.Thank you for your assistance last year, and with your support this year, we will again have a Juneteenth Celebration that Lawrence can take pride in.
	Thank you!