Jubilee to Celebrate Emancipation Proclamation

Community, college and religious leaders will commemorate the 139th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation at a Jubilee Day event Sunday, sponsored by the NAACP’s San Fernando Valley branch.

The celebration, which marks President Lincoln’s signing of the historic document on Jan. 1, 1863, that freed slaves in the United States, begins at 3:45 p.m. at Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church, 11066 Norris Ave. in Pacoima.

Jubilee Day not only marks a milestone in African American history, organizers said, but it allows participants to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice and equality.

This year’s celebration will focus on the importance of education and community service, said the Rev. Zedar E. Broadous, president of the Valley branch of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People.

In keeping with the theme, Tom Spencer-Walters, chairman of the Pan-African Studies Department at Cal State Northridge, will deliver the keynote address, organizers said. Cory Jackson, president of the NAACP’s California youth and college division, is also scheduled to speak.

The community is invited to participate in the Jubilee Day mass choir.

A rehearsal will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Phoenix House Academy, 11600 Eldridge Ave., Lake View Terrace.

The San Fernando Valley Community Choir will provide music for Sunday’s ceremony.

For details, call (818) 899-4357.