Juneteenth
By Rev. Keith Turman | 2021-05-14 | 3 min read
George Floyd’s murder was a tipping point. I called my friend Myrna to see if she was okay. Of course she wasn’t okay. On the subject of racism and inequality, she’s never been okay. The only thing different was that her white friend on the other end of the call was finally becoming aware of her reality. I asked her what it’s like to be Black in Haywood County. “You don’t want to know,” she said. “I’m sure I don’t, but I know that I need to know.”
So, she told me stories of what it’s like to be Black in Haywood County. I experienced a wave of emotion—a mixture of sadness, shame and anger. Mostly anger. And it’s an anger that continues to fuel my commitment to make a difference. Myrna said, “We can’t celebrate our culture here,” and I asked, “What do you mean?” “Like Juneteenth—we can’t celebrate Juneteenth.”
Juneteenth is an annual holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, were told of their freedom. Two months after General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate army surrendered in Virginia, Union General Gordon Granger brought news to Galveston that the Civil War had ended, and that African-Americans were free. The party that ensued was so contagious, it morphed into an annual holiday. Juneteenth is also called “Freedom Day,” or “Emancipation Day.” Historically, the celebration brings families together for prayer, good food, and dancing. Many cities will host parades and festivals. Before we hung up the phone, we decided Haywood County needs another party.
And one year later, the time to party has come.
On Saturday, June 19th, 2021, The Smoky Mountain District of the United Methodist Church will host an inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Lake Junaluska’s Nancy Weldon Open Air Gym. The mission is to worship inclusively, educate our communities on its racial history, initiate critical conversations towards reconciliation, and celebrate African American freedom and culture. The event is free and open to everyone!
Worship begins at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand will deliver a keynote address; acclaimed storyteller and historical interpreter, Novella Nimmo, from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, will share re-enactments of the harsh realities of slavery; and local clergy and gifted musicians will lead in a powerful and celebratory worship experience.
After worship, the community is invited to party on the grounds (3:00 – 6:00 p.m.) with food trucks, inflatables, horseshoes and corn hole, vendors and exhibits, dancing and family fun.