The City of Peekskill honored the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, by bestowing on four residents the title of 2025 Juneteenth Parade Grand Marshal.
On Saturday, June 21, the 14th annual Juneteenth parade will be held at 1220 Park Street in front of Park Street AME Zion Church, meeting at 11 a.m. and kicking off at noon. The parade and festival is scheduled to last until 7 p.m. The Juneteenth flag-raising event will be held at the City Hall steps on Thursday, June 12, at 6 p.m.
The persons who were celebrated with Grand Marshal proclamations at City Hall on Monday, June 9, are Geraldine Kearse, the late Mary E. Rainey, Phillip John Tinsley, and Julius Carrington. Tinsley and Carrington could not attend the event.
Geraldine Kearse, affectionately known as Geri, was born, raised, and educated in Peekskill, and is a mother of three daughters and grandmother of four.
Kearse recalled becoming the first AfricanAmerican woman to work as a clerk/carrier at the Peekskill Post Office in 1967.
“It was a historic milestone,” Kearse said. “Not only for me, but also for the community. I am honored to have played a part in opening the doors and paving the way for others to follow.”
She later was appointed to Post Master of the Crompond, New York Post Office, a position she held until her retirement in 2003. She is an active member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Peekskill, where she has served as a church photographer for over 20 years. She is also a proud and active member of the Peekskill Senior Club.
Kearse emphasized the importance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, in which enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
“It symbolizes not just the end of slavery, but also the ongoing journey toward justice and equality and unity for all,” Kearse said. “My ancestors from Farmsville, Virginia, would be proud.” The city bestowed the honor of the 2025 Juneteenth Parade Posthumous Grand Marshal on Mary E. Rainey, who passed away earlier this year. The proclamation was accepted on her behalf by the Rainey family.
Rainey, a longtime resident of Peekskill and member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, was a beloved mother of four, grandmother of seven and great grandmother of fifteen. The proclamation stated spending time and being surrounded by the love of her family and friends meant everything to her.
She accepted the position as Director of the Westchester Community Action program in Peekskill in 1976. There she used her positive influence and support to inspire and guide the youth.
Tina Diaz, cousin of Rainey, said that while she will be sorely missed she will continue to be a beacon of light to all those who knew and loved her.
“Mary positively impacted many lives in Peekskill and she was dedicated in reaching out, to lend a helping hand to all who needed it in various capacities for many years,” Diaz said. “She did this tirelessly and effortlessly for the love that she had for her community.”
Andre Rainey, former City of Peekskill mayor and grandson of Rainey, was unable to attend due to a delayed flight. He told the Peekskill Herald he appreciated the recognition from Mayor McKenzie and the Common Council.
“Last night was a true testament of the incredible impact that my grandmother had on so many lives in Peekskill,” Rainey said Tuesday, June 10. “Although she is no longer here with us, her legacy and her love, the service that she did continues to inspire our community.”
Phillip John Tinsley, also known as PJ, was born and raised and educated in Peekskill. He began his professional career with the youth of Peekskill in 1968.
“His heart for Peekskill’s youth is evident by his commitment, advocacy and a career which spanned 56 years,” McKenzie said. “Tinsley had the privilege and honor of co-coaching with the late Walter Corney.”
Philip Tinsley received numerous recognitions from the City of Peekskill. One of his proudest honors was having his name displayed on the Kiley Center basketball court.
Julius Carrington, a lifelong resident of Peekskill and a dedicated supporter of the Kiley Youth Center, became a volunteer at the Kiley Center while he was still in high school. He later became a counselor with the Recreation Department for the City of Peekskill.
“With over four decades of coaching and mentoring experience, Julius has provided positive guidance to generations of young people,” McKenzie said. “He is a champion for the youth and continues to empower them through mentorship.”
