Recognize Juneteenth with United Methodist Activities, Resources
On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas. The enslaved African Americans awaiting him in West Texas were the last to learn of their freedom as granted in the Emancipation Proclamation 2½ years earlier. Celebrations of Juneteenth — also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day — began a year later in Texas and quickly spread to surrounding states. In 2021, President Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
Events
- Juneteenth Parade (June 15): Warren UMC will distribute cold water on the Juneteenth parade route through their Operation Hydration. Join them at 3028 S. Malcolm X Blvd starting at 10 a.m.
- Juneteenth Prayer Service (June 16): Join St. Paul UMC and First UMC Dallas on the FUMC Dallas steps on Ross Avenue following the 11am worship service for a brief Juneteenth Prayer Service. The event will be led by the Justice Builders, who are comprised of FUMC Dallas and St. Paul UMC Asset Mappers, Congregational Partnership members and others who have joined in the cause for racial justice.
- Juneteenth Economic Forum (June 17-18): Hosted by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center.
- Opal's Walk for Freedom (June 19): Opal Lee’s annual Walk for Freedom continues this year in Dallas.
Resources
- POD Strangely Warmed on Freedom Meals: Learn about the Freedom Meal, an annual observance nestled between Juneteenth and July 4 to honor and contemplate the full expanse of American history. Two of the Freedom Meal Committee members, Rev. Dr. Alfie Wines and Rev. Kristin Warthen, join Rev. Daniel Hawkins and the POD Strangely Warmed podcast to talk about the event and its meaning.
- The Unfinished Church with Opal Lee: Hear “the Grandmother of Juneteenth” in conversation with United Methodist Bishops LaTrelle Easterling, Michael McKee and Gregory Palmer in this 2022 podcast episode.
Published: Wednesday, June 12, 2024