lyasah Shabazz, Daughter of Malcolm X, to Speak at African Burial Ground's 2014 Juneteenth Celebration

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended. General Order No. 3 stated, "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

African Burial Ground National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service, will commemorate the Civil Rights movement as part of the park's annualJuneteenth celebration at 12 noon on June 19, 2014. The National Park Service is proud to announce the program's special guest is Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, who will give a powerful and unforgettable lecture about civil rights. She will also share some of her personal experiences while growing up as the child of Malcolm X, recognized as one of the greatest African Americans in history. The special Juneteenth presentation will include a brief video about Ilyasah Shabazz, an inspirational 45-minute lecture followed by a question-and-answer session, and finally, a book signing of her latest children's book, "Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become Malcolm X."

"I'm looking forward to it," said Shabazz, whose full name is pronounced ILL-YAH-SAH SHAH-BOZZ.

She is a respected author, producer, and motivational speaker. Shabazz produced training programs to encourage higher education for at-risk youth sanctioned by the City University of New York, Office of Academic Affairs. She served 12 years on the Youth Board for the City of Mount Vernon under Mayor Ernest D. Davis. She held appointments as the Director of Public Relations, Director of Public Affairs & Special Events, and Director of Cultural Affairs. Shabazz served as a member of the U.S. delegation that accompanied President Bill Clinton to South Africa to commemorate the election of President Nelson Mandela. Shabazz is a mentor for the We Are Family Foundation-dedicated to inspire, educate and promote a global family through building bridges between cultures for young leaders of the world. She also mentors at various group homes, lock-up facilities, high schools, and college campuses through production of The WAKE-UP Tour™: 'X'-Tra Credit Forums-her exclusive youth empowerment program.

What: 2014 Juneteenth Celebration

When: Thursday, June 19, 2014

Time: 12 Noon

Where: African Burial Ground National Monument, 290 Broadway, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10007

Cost: Free

Website: www.nps.gov/afbg

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AFBurialGrndNPS

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AfricanBurialGround

About African Burial Ground National Monument

The African Burial Ground is recognized as the oldest and largest known African cemetery excavated in North America. It extends for 6.6 acres, and it is estimated that approximately 15,000 enslaved and free Africans are buried within its boundaries. On February 27, 2006, the African Burial Ground was designated a National Monument by Presidential Proclamation, making it the 390th national park site to be managed by the National Park Service, an agency of the United States Department of the Interior.

How to Get There and Hours of Operation

The African Burial Ground National Monument is located on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building located at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan; close to Foley Square and just north of City Hall. The cross streets are Duane Street and Reade Street. The national park site

consists of an indoor visitor center and exhibition along with an outdoor memorial. The visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The outdoor memorial is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.mm- 5 p.m. Both the indoor visitor center and outdoor memorial are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The African Burial Ground National Monument is easily accessible by public transportation. Driving and parking in New York City is significantly more difficult. If you are driving on the east side of Manhattan- leave Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Drive at the City Hall exit. Proceed west on surface streets to Broadway. If you are on the west side of Manhattan- leave the West Side Highway/West Street at Chambers Street. Drive east on surface streets until you reach Broadway. The African Burial Ground National Monument is located just north of City Hall at 290 Broadway.