The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

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NYCHA Developments Program Partners Top Story 

Commemorating Juneteenth

LaToya

Juneteenth is a holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States when, in 1865, some of the last enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, were freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has been celebrated in Texas since 1865 and is also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day. In 2021, President Joe Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday and this year, Mayor Eric Adams made the day a paid holiday for City employees. Juneteenth events were held across the city, including at many NYCHA developments: 

Green City Force 

On June 18, Green City Force (GCF) hosted Juneteenth events at its five Eco-Hub farm sites at Bay View, Forest, Howard, Mariner’s Harbor, and Wagner Houses. NYCHA residents and GCF staff celebrated the theme of Black Liberation through various activities, including movement, meditation, book giveaways, and more. It was also the first farm stand of the season, and attendees picked up fresh produce harvested from the farms. 

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people walking around urban farm

Washington Houses and Taft Houses 

The Washington Houses and Taft Houses resident associations jointly hosted a Juneteenth Family Celebration on June 19 that included entertainment, community resources, giveaways, and more. Staff from Healthy Start @ NYCHA, a program that connects expecting families to resources and support, attended the event and provided parenting essentials such as breast pumps, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and baby books to expecting families. Healthy Start also helped secure seven partner organizations to provide resources that included COVID-19 tests, masks, and hand sanitizer.