Honoring Juneteenth

We give heartfelt thanks for the following, graciously shared by the Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida.

As we make our way through this third week in June, we find ourselves celebrating June 19th. The name “Juneteenth” commemorates the day, June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, following the arrival of Union troops. This event is considered the final emancipation of all enslaved African Americans in the U.S. Today marks the fourth anniversary of Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday. This day calls us to remember our common history and also to live into our baptismal covenant “to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”

The State of Florida also celebrates Emancipation Day, as it was in Tallahassee on May 20, 1865, 11 days after the end of the Civil War, when the institution of slavery in Florida effectively came to an end. It is important to note that while the State of Florida does not recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, the Florida Legislature has declared June 19th as “Juneteenth Day,” a day of observance.

There is a strong history in one of our Diocesan cities, St. Augustine. The Rev. Steve Siebert of St. Cyprian’s recently gave a sermon on this very subject, stating,

“Early in the Civil War, St. Augustine was captured by Federal troops. Knowing that they were about to be given their freedom, Blacks held Watch Night services on the night of December 31, 1862, in anticipation of the January 1, 1863, effective date of the Emancipation Proclamation. Though it was a time of great joy, the newly freed people knew that they didn’t have to travel far from St. Augustine to be in the Confederacy. Many men chose to serve in the Union army. They were known as the United States Colored Troops. Many of these veterans settled after the war, establishing a community that came to be known as Lincolnville. For at least 60 years, the Black population of St. Augustine celebrated Emancipation Day with parades, Watch Night services, and celebrations.”

We in the Episcopal Church observe Juneteenth not just as a day of remembrance but as a call to action. A call that asks us to be advocates for justice and peace for all persons while striving for healing and reconciliation. We recognize that there is still work to be done so that we can live in a world where all people are treated with respect and dignity.

As we reflect on this day, might we embrace the concept of being agents of change in the world? Let us follow in the steps of the beauty of the Pentecost, where we remember that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Disciples and they were given the ability to speak in languages all could understand. A miracle of hospitality that ignited the movement of Jesus throughout the world. A movement that was based on the inclusion of all persons and a love so great because our Savior first loved us.

We who serve on the Diocesan Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission offer this prayer from the Diocese of California. A prayer that is not just a remembrance of a historical event, but a call to live into becoming Beloved Community as members of the body of Christ. A call to tell the story of our Savior with words and also with actions. Actions that bring us closer to realizing the Kingdom of God here and now.

Let us pray:

Almighty God, you rescued your people from slavery in Egypt, and throughout the ages, you have never failed to hear the cries of the captives; We remember before you our sisters and brothers in Galveston, Texas who on this day received the glad tidings of their emancipation; Forgive us for the many grave sins that delayed that liberating word; Anoint us with your Spirit to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.