|
|
It was June, 2020 when the world came to face to face with a reckoning of racial injustice. The murder of George Floyd woke many of us up with the realization that our society has a problem that needs our attention. A problem that has been a reality for 400 years, ever since 1619 when the first Africans were sold to English colonists by a Dutch privateer for food, supplies and ammunition. A few years later, the colonial government codified laws that defined race, and that denied civil rights to all enslaved Africans.
Almost 250 years later, the descendants of these and of an additional 1.5 million Africans, who were brought to the North American colonies, were freed from the bondage of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, but it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the enslaved people in Texas would learn about their emancipation. The proclamation stated that these people shall be free and that military authorities “will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.” This momentous day is known today as Juneteenth.
Even though the road to the reality of full citizenship for African Americans has been fraught with turmoil, violence, obstacles and has yet to be fully realized, the anniversary of the declaration of emancipation on June 19th, 1865, is a cause for celebration. Juneteenth celebrates our independence from the bondage of slavery.
Here at St. John’s Episcopal Church, we are celebrating Juneteenth as part of our commitment to the Becoming Beloved Community movement of The Episcopal Church. The Racial Justice Team invites everyone to join us in some special events during the month of June. We’ll also let you know of events and opportunities in the Austin Community.
Almost 250 years later, the descendants of these and of an additional 1.5 million Africans, who were brought to the North American colonies, were freed from the bondage of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, but it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the enslaved people in Texas would learn about their emancipation. The proclamation stated that these people shall be free and that military authorities “will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.” This momentous day is known today as Juneteenth.
Even though the road to the reality of full citizenship for African Americans has been fraught with turmoil, violence, obstacles and has yet to be fully realized, the anniversary of the declaration of emancipation on June 19th, 1865, is a cause for celebration. Juneteenth celebrates our independence from the bondage of slavery.
Here at St. John’s Episcopal Church, we are celebrating Juneteenth as part of our commitment to the Becoming Beloved Community movement of The Episcopal Church. The Racial Justice Team invites everyone to join us in some special events during the month of June. We’ll also let you know of events and opportunities in the Austin Community.
June 2 - PBS Documentary - "Austin Revealed: Civil Rights Stories"
On Wednesday, June 2, 7-8 p.m. we reviewed the PBS documentary “Austin Revealed: Civil Rights Stories”. This documentary highlights the life of African Americans who lived through one of Austin’s most transitional times, segregation.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLASS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLASS
June 9 - African American Biblical Interpretation
On Wednesday, June 9, 7-8pm, we learned about the Bible and Scripture, as interpreted through the African American lens. Two of the speakers were African American Biblical Scholars, Dr. Yolanda Norton and Dr. Valerie Bridgeman. They participated in a recent panel at the Seminary of the Southwest entitled: “Making it Plain: The Sacred Tradition and Civil Discourse of African American Biblical Interpretation.” The third speaker was prominent Civil Rights Lawyer, Social Justice Advocate, and Executive Director of The Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan Stevenson (from a speech he delivered at the National Cathedral).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLASS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLASS
June 16 - Lamentation and Healing Service
On Wednesday, June 16th, (7-8pm) we gathered together (in-person and via Zoom) in the church for a special Sacred Ground Lamentation and Healing Service as it relates to “things we have done, and the things we have left undone” regarding social and racial justice.
Download the bulletin for the June 16 Wednesday evening Lamentation and Healing Service
Download the bulletin for the June 16 Wednesday evening Lamentation and Healing Service
June 23 – The life and ministries of Pauli Murray
Pauli Murray was the first African American woman to be ordained to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church designated July 1 as a Feast Day to commemorate her life and ministry. Bishop Doyle has invited the congregations in this diocese to commemorate Pauli Murray on Sunday, June 27.
On Wednesday, June 23, we continued our series honoring Juneteenth with a class to learn about Episcopal priest and human rights crusader Pauli Murray.
You are also invited to join us at St. John’s as we celebrate the Pauli Murray feast day on Sunday, June 27. Our services are at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. in English, and 1:00 p.m. in Spanish.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLASS
On Wednesday, June 23, we continued our series honoring Juneteenth with a class to learn about Episcopal priest and human rights crusader Pauli Murray.
You are also invited to join us at St. John’s as we celebrate the Pauli Murray feast day on Sunday, June 27. Our services are at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. in English, and 1:00 p.m. in Spanish.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLASS
Other Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Austin
One Human Race Mini-Workshop: Is Race Real?
June 5 4:30-6:30 p.m.
FREE workshop that examines race as a social rather than biological construct. We will view a condensed version of Episode 1, The Difference Between Us, from Race: The Power of an Illusion and examine our own thoughts and feelings by sharing in small groups. Reserve your spot by registering at onehumanraceaustin.org.
Presenters: Gina Houston and Teresa Chang
June 5 4:30-6:30 p.m.
FREE workshop that examines race as a social rather than biological construct. We will view a condensed version of Episode 1, The Difference Between Us, from Race: The Power of an Illusion and examine our own thoughts and feelings by sharing in small groups. Reserve your spot by registering at onehumanraceaustin.org.
Presenters: Gina Houston and Teresa Chang
MAYB Juneteenth Extravaganza Basketball Tournament - Liberty Hill/Georgetown TX
Fri. Jun 4, 4 a.m. – Sun, Jun 6, 4 a.m.
This tournament is a 5 game guarantee for $315, you can get registered online at www.mayb.com and or call the office at 316-284-0354Read more on Exposure Basketball Events
Fri. Jun 4, 4 a.m. – Sun, Jun 6, 4 a.m.
This tournament is a 5 game guarantee for $315, you can get registered online at www.mayb.com and or call the office at 316-284-0354Read more on Exposure Basketball Events
GEAYA/Central Texas Juneteenth – Parade
June 19, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.
Parade starts at MLKing Jr Blvd/Salina St. and ends at Chestnut Ave/Pleasant Valley. If you are interested in attending and would like a map of the parade route, please contact Sandra E. Ward at 1redsand2@gmail.com or 916-501-4719.
June 19, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.
Parade starts at MLKing Jr Blvd/Salina St. and ends at Chestnut Ave/Pleasant Valley. If you are interested in attending and would like a map of the parade route, please contact Sandra E. Ward at 1redsand2@gmail.com or 916-501-4719.
Park Festival
June 19, 2021 - following Central Texas Juneteenth Parade
Location: Rosewood & Boggy Creek Park
2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin 78702
June 19, 2021 - following Central Texas Juneteenth Parade
Location: Rosewood & Boggy Creek Park
2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin 78702
