Juneteenth

Pastor’s Reflections – Juneteenth

When did you first understand Juneteenth?  I’m not proud to share that for me it was in June 2020 at an event in Portsmouth.  Was I just not paying attention before that?  Did I miss it? Or, was it not so widely recognized?  I don’t know the answer to this…. but I do know that my ignorance was of my own making, nobody else was to blame. Forgive my ignorance, dear Lord.

Juneteenth

In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved people to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned slavery had been abolished. The former enslaved people immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.

Our NE UMC Conference Bishop Peggy A. Johnson writes, “We can speculate that it was because there was no internet, but it had more to do with the fact that those enslaved Africans were invisible. Their rights, their freedoms were not valued anywhere near as much as their back-breaking labor for the white, landowning masters, who coveted their work (and the wealth it brought) for as long as possible.”  

The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. The original observances included prayer meetings and the singing of spirituals, and celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Within a few years, African Americans in other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition. Celebrations have continued across the United States into the 21st century and typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing.

Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1979, and a number of other states subsequently followed suit. In 2021 Juneteenth was made a federal holiday. In celebration outside of the United States, organizations in a number of countries continue to recognize the end of slavery and honor the culture and achievements of African Americans.

And…….Still there is work to do.  

This year, as we recognize Juneteenth, may each of us consider how we can follow in the footsteps of Jesus and do our part to dismantle the racism and ignorance, that is still prevalent, sometimes hiding and other times right out in the open, in our communities today. 

Wondering how you can learn more and make a difference?  Here are some resources for you:

NH NAACP Website: There are lots of resources on this site https://naacpmanchesternh.com/

UNH Library Racial Justice Resources Website: There are lots of resources here: https://libraryguides.unh.edu/c.php?g=810738&p=5784979

NH Council of Churches Event: The Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian

Nationalism: This is a free daylong seminar features the Rev. Dr. Carter Hayward, keynote speaker and author. Register for the event here: https://www.nhcucc.info/event-details/lecture-seminar-with-carter-heyward

I will be attending this event. If you’d like to carpool with me, I’d love to go together!  I can seat 5 people (in addition to me) in my car.

My prayers are with all of us as we strive to build community, real community where all people are honored, cherished, and appreciated for their authentic selves.  

With Much Love and Peace, 
Pastor Patty