By Blanche Toole
The Parish of Saint Monica will be hosting a Juneteenth celebration titled “Faith Is Our Inheritance” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 18 in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Atlantic City.
The event is sponsored by the Black Catholic Ministry Commission of the Diocese of Camden. All are invited to join us and hear the story behind the celebration. Why Juneteenth? What is the origin? What are the facts? What is the legend?
The name Juneteenth is a blend of two words: June and nineteen. Many may not be familiar with the events that led up to this day and may not know that Juneteenth honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth has become one of the most important symbols of the end of the Civil War and the coming of emancipation. Juneteenth National Independence Day is now a U.S. federal holiday, signed into law by President Biden on June 17, 2021.
Participants in this year’s Juneteenth celebration are encouraged to stay in Atlantic City for the Diocese of Camden’s Eucharistic Procession later that evening on the Boardwalk.
As former president Barack Obama said, “Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, things do get better. America can change.”
We hope you can join us and come to know the story behind the celebration for deeper understanding and appreciation.
Blanche Toole is from the Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City, and a member of the Juneteenth Committee, part of the Diocese’s Black Catholic Ministry Commission.
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