Celebrating Juneteenth

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…to proclaim liberty to the captives.” - Isaiah 61:1

Many are familiar with the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863, officially abolishing slavery in the United States. Sadly, this declaration of freedom took over two more years to be enforced in the Confederate state of Texas and to reach the enslaved people living there. But on June 19, 1865 (now celebrated as “Juneteenth”) in Galveston Bay, Texas, liberation was finally ordered for 250,000 enslaved black people in the state. Many African Americans learned of their liberation from the ministers spreading the word through their congregations. The fight for freedom was not settled on Juneteenth, but it stands as a reminder of our history and the work we have left to do. 

Juneteenth has long been celebrated by African Americans in our country as a second Independence Day, but sadly the celebration has been ignored throughout history by most of the country. Juneteenth testifies to the God who hears the cries of enslaved people, accompanies them in their suffering, and relentlessly works for their liberation. This Juneteenth, may we be stirred to continue this Kingdom work rooting out the evils of racism, white supremacy, discrimination, and racial inequality in our lives, communities, institutions, and public policies. We cannot follow the risen Jesus of Nazareth and “stay out” of God’s liberating work in our real world. This Juneteenth, may we apply ourselves to this holy work of freedom and equality through learning, listening, prayer, and action. 

Fr. Shawn McCain Tirres

You can learn more about the history of Juneteenth at https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth