Juneteenth Celebration

Written by Evelyn Thompson

On June 20, 2026, I had the privilege of attending the Juneteenth Celebration at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.  This event was produced by Dr. Alveda King, Dr. Martin Luther King’s niece. With the help of many notable officials, entertainers, and guests, it was a time to reflect on the pain of the past, the progress of today, and the promise of tomorrow. 

January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing enslaved African Americans.  However, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and read the General Order No. 3 finally notifying the estimated 250,000 enslaved people in Texas that they were free.  There are a lot of theories, but it remains a mystery that two and a half years passed before this information reached them.  However, rather than being centered purely on trauma, the Juneteenth holiday has served as an opportunity to gather, celebrate resilience, uplift businesses, and share family traditions.

One of the biggest takeaways from the night was the emphasis on unity.  The audience was non-partisan, the event was not political, and there was an undeniable sense of oneness.  There was also a shared love and respect for our country. It is here that despite our differences, missteps, and imperfections, we recognize the USA is our homeland; and countless numbers of people have given their lives for this nation. Having grown up in the segregated south, I started school in 1956. This was two years after school segregation was outlawed, but the first year Louisville integrated their schools. At the time I did not realize the significance. As a young child, I was aware that we were not allowed to shop, eat, drink out of public water fountains, or live in certain places. I vividly recall going to restaurants and being refused service and riding the back of the bus. If we did go to movies, we had to enter a different entrance and go up to another level. It was not until I was older that I came to understand why, and with that recognition I can say today, that although we still have work to do, we have come a long way and, that is why celebrating unity is so important.

The event was filled with lots of joyful singing of stirring songs that included the singing of the National Anthem; the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”; and “America the Beautiful.”  Renowned guest soloist and Grammy nominee Wintley Phipps’ performance of “Amazing Grace” brought tears to the eyes of many. The moving video “TAPS” gave tribute to African American Military who are serving and have served their country with pride.  Special recognition was given to Colin Powell. 

A special treat was the rendition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech, I Have A Dream by the 12- and 9-year-old Jaden and Josiah Penn. I remember watching Dr. King’s speech in real time.  For as moving and eloquent as it was, who could have known that speech would continue to resound and be as relevant today as it was then. We all applauded Jaden and Josiah’s eloquence and bravery in fulfilling such a monumental task.

One of my favorite parts of this celebration was Dr. Ben Carson’s tribute to the accomplishments of many African Americans in many capacities. His modesty would not allow him to name himself as a pediatric neurosurgeon who led the first successful separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head in 1987. And further at the age of 33, he became the youngest chief of pediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the United States. I would encourage everyone who hasn’t, to read Gifted Hands, the autobiography of this brilliant man who grew up in dire circumstances but overcame insurmountable obstacles to become one of the most respected men in the medical profession.

I keep reflecting on the fact that for two and a half years, approximately 250,000 slaves did not know they were free, simply because no one told them. It has made me think deeply about the hundreds of thousands of people alive today who do not know that Jesus Christ died to set them free over 2,000 years ago because nobody has told them.I challenge you to be intentional in sharing the true freedom that only can be found in Jesus. It also reminds me of the many Christians who continue to live in bondage to their sins and their past.  When those slaves were set free, their lives changed immediately. Their circumstances likely didn’t for a while, but they were still free.  It is like salvation. When we accept the Lord into our lives, we are no longer in bondage. It is a daily walk to know Him, be like Him, and follow Him wherever He leads. I encourage you to seek to let someone know that they are free and no longer in bondage. To quote the words of Dr. Martin Luther King…”Free at last!  Free at last!  Thank God Almighty we are free at last!”