Juneteenth: Freedom Day 2024
St. Peter’s, St. Philip’s, and St. John’s Episcopal Churches will host a commemoration of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required for those who plan to stay for lunch.
8:30 Prepare and gather, St. John’s churchyard
9:30 Parade of Celebration, St. John’s to Peter Paul
10:45 Prayer Service, Peter Paul
12:00 Performance by Ezibu Muntu Dance & Drumming
12:15 Picnic fun & games, St. Peter’s
For further information, please contact Patty Duffy at 804-649-7938 or pduffy@saintjohnsrichmond.org.