People of The United Methodist Church commemorate Juneteenth

The United Methodist Church's (UMC) people celebrate the Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration, known as Freedom Day. (Photo taken from the San Diego Diplomacy website)

The United Methodist Church's (UMC) people join the Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration, known as Freedom Day, on June 19.

According to Laura Buchanan from the UMC website, the even had developed a spirit of unity, pride, and community among African Americans. Cliff Dobbins, a member of McMillan UMC, said that it is an opportunity to celebrate the day of their ancestors who were released and freed from slavery. Dobbin took his children and his grandchildren to Ft. Worth’s festivities to educate them about the history of the said holiday.

Meanwhile, the event has a special meaning for Edna Reeves, a Warren United Methodist Church member in Dallas, Texas. Her great-great-grandfather had been given freedom in Texas.

She said she remembered attending Juneteeth activities as a child. Reeves mentioned that her father’s workplace would close in observation of the holiday. Her father’s company would hold a day of celebration at a local park.

Celebrating Juneteeth

The same website noted the activities of the said holiday, both new and those that have become traditions, are growing. These programs include parades, festivals, family gatherings, and worship services. They added that those events remind them of the freedom that they have long sought and should be taken seriously.

“Juneteenth is a sacred celebration culturally and religiously." It is the same Passover for the Jewish people, "stated Dr. Randy Kelley, former pastor of Goodsell UMC in Lanett, Alabama.

Dr. Kelly emphasized that John Wesley was an ardent abolitionist, guiding many enslaved people to follow the Methodist culture. Goodsell UMC was established in 1866 by enslaved people who had escaped. Kelly added that they were interested in God and education, leading them to their spiritual and socially uplifting lives.

The same church led the way in having their city’s Juneteeth celebration. They have a partnership with various civic organizations and churches. The said historic events founded its opportunity for neighborhood outreach and unity. They welcome participants from all backgrounds, as posted on the website.

Juneteenth in San Diego

San Diego Diplomacy Council website posted that they would be celebrating Juneteenth.

They revealed the origin of the said celebration, which started on June 19th, 1865, when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas. He informs African-American slaves of their freedom.

The news was based on the Emancipation Proclamation, issued over two and a half years earlier. It was also because the civic was over. The website mentioned that the holiday had its name by merging June and 19.

The website noted that it is also known as “Juneteenth Independence Day," "Freedom Day,” or “Emancipation Day.” They added that African Americans had celebrated this holiday yearly since the late 1800s.

Meanwhile, the Artists 4 Black Lives SD will host an event at 1 p.m. at the said park. They noted that at this year’s celebration, they would have more artists, vendors, and community members to meet together. The website posted this event is not just to commemorate Juneteenth but also to protest system racism and police brutality.

San Diego County will also hold a Juneteeth Wellness Festival hosted by The Yoga Bus from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on that day at InterContinental San Diego.