Juneteenth on California's Central Coast: Sharing the 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project

This Juneteenth, the 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project had the privilege of presenting our work to the NAACP of San Luis Obispo County. It was an inspiring opportunity to share our mission, connect with the community, and continue expanding awareness of both Juneteenth and the stories that have too often been left untold.

Representing the project were Avis Wanda McClinton, Stephanie Leonard, and Kathryn Mizuno, all dedicated members of the 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project. Together, they presented the vision, history, and purpose of our work to an engaged audience that welcomed our message with overwhelming enthusiasm.

One of the highlights of our visit was the presence of Quakers from across the West Coast who attended to learn more about our project. A local Quaker meetinghouse even invited Avis Wanda to visit while she was in California. Although an early return flight prevented her from attending, we are determined to reconnect with everyone we met on the West Coast which  includes Quakers, NAACP members, and the many new friends who expressed interest in our mission.

The audience reflected a diversity of backgrounds and ethnicities. One statistic that stood out, however, was that while San Luis Obispo is well known as a vibrant college town, African Americans make up only about 1.4% of the population, with estimates ranging from approximately 3,000 to 7,400 people throughout the wider cities..

Learning this inspired an important realization. Many African Americans are familiar with the significance of Juneteenth, but this was an opportunity to ensure that people of every background understand its history and importance. It also reinforced the need to introduce more communities to the work of the 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project, together, preserving and sharing stories that belong to our collective American history.

Throughout the presentation, Avis Wanda McClinton received thoughtful questions, heartfelt compliments, and words of encouragement for her vision and determination in founding the 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project. Many remarked that the work before us is monumental. Avis Wanda has consistently responded that this mission is a leading from God, and with faith and perseverance, we will continue sharing these stories and building connections wherever we are invited.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated, those who joined us in person in San Luis Obispo and those who attended via Zoom.

As we reflect on Juneteenth, we are reminded that "FREEDOM" is still being discovered and shared. Our aim is to make sure that the history told reaches future generations and inspires a deeper understanding of our shared past.

Thank you, San Luis Obispo.