The Juneteenth Celebration on Friday afternoon was a remembrance, a celebration, and a call to continue the journey of liberation and hope. Rev. Kennedy Gray, pastor of the Sanford Circuit Charge, and Rev. Justin Coleman, pastor of University UMC in Chapel Hill, led the body in this time of sacred memory and prophetic proclamation. They recounted the history of slavery in America, affirming that “through it all, our ancestors carried a faith that could not be stolen and a song that could not be silenced.”
They shared the historical story of Juneteenth — the carrying of the news of freedom to people in Galveston, TX, who had not gotten the news of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. They reminded attendees of the truth that “freedom on paper is not the same as freedom in practice.” They vividly recounted what it must have been like for those first hearers. Rev. Gray said, “imagine hearing those words after generations of bondage…Freedom delayed, denied, resisted had finally arrived.”
Juneteenth is not just a date from history, however, but a journey that continues in every generation as a reminder, Coleman said, of “the ongoing struggle for justice, equity and dignity.”
The powerful and soulful music of the University UMC jazz ensemble flowed through this celebration. The ensemble played the spirituals “Steal Away,” and “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table,” and concluded with that anthem of Black liberation, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” These songs echoed the story of God’s faithfulness and the strength and resilience of the Black community.
Rev. Rhonda Grant Jordan, the Conference Director of Peace Building and Outreach Ministry, invited all Black clergy and laity to come gather around the stage. Attendees were invited to look around at those gathered. Jordan said, “This is the beauty of our people. This is the strength of our story. This is the living testimony of Juneteenth.”
The closing prayer asked God to help “the memory of our ancestors strengthen our resolve…[and]…invite our courage, that we would be bearers of freedom, dignity and hope until all God’s children are truly set free.”
Article written by Mandy Sayers
Photos by Chris Daniel