Also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day, Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19, which is the date when formerly enslaved people of Texas were informed that they were free in 1865.
In honor of celebrating such a significant day, the employees at St. Mary’s Home came together to enjoy a delicious potluck as a community. Organized by staff members Brenda Anderson and Roberta Washington, this was the second annual celebration of Juneteenth honored at St. Mary’s, and we are so happy to say it was a success!
Both sweet and savory smells filled the air of the auditorium, with some highlights being jalapeno cornbread, collard greens, sweet potato pie, and Sr Christina’s special fruit juice cocktail! Music by classic African American artists sung through the halls and got everyone in the festive spirit.
The blessing Mother Margaret gave to begin our celebration expresses poignantly the meaning of this moment and this special “Freedom Day”: “We affirm the dignity of each person to their rights of freedom and justice. We celebrate liberators, role models, and religious leaders who have fought the good fight. May their legacy never be forgotten. And may we be vigilant against the evils of oppression, prejudice and exploitation so we may truly be the land of the free.”
