What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth (“June” plus “nineteenth”) commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston,Texas and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. This announcement gave voice to the written words of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln.
For many years, members of St. John’s have attended and supported the Town’s Juneteenth Celebration and even though it will be a virtual celebration again this year, we hope you will engage in this opportunity to learn, pray, and continue the work of justice and reconciliation. A day such as this one provides an excellent opportunity for transformation.
Please consider one of the following opportunities to live our Baptismal Covenant to “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”
Join our neighbors for the Town of Wake Forest and the Northeast Community Coalition Virtual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday June 19 for a celebration of our Town’s history, cooking demonstrations, music and fun on Facebook Live from 12-1:30 pm (click pic to view)
Check out one of the many wonderful children’s books on Juneteenth (click image to view)
Have a listen to this Fresh Air Podcast on the history of Juneteenth (click picture to listen)
Children & Families Juneteenth Gathering
Mon, Jun 14 @ 6 PM Taylor Street Park & Sprayground (416 N. Taylor St., Wake Forest)
Join us under the pavilion at Taylor Street Park and Sprayground! We will read a story or two about Juneteenth, color the Juneteenth freedom flag, and then enjoy some time in the park together. This will be a wonderful chance to catch up with Mother Sarah, Mother Amanda (our new Curate) and Ms. Sandra Rhodes will stop by to see her Godly Play students in person! Feel free to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy at the park before we gather at 6.
