It was June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally heard the news that they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued more than two years earlier, in 1863, but that promise of freedom had not yet become real for many enslaved people in Texas because the message, and the enforcement of that freedom, arrived late. Juneteenth tells us a delayed story, one about a freedom that should never remain only words written on a piece of paper, but must become justice made real in the lives of the oppressed.
Observing and celebrating Juneteenth is deeply important because we are giving value to freedom, and we are also remembering the pain of waiting, of being told too late that our life already belonged to us. We should not forget the cruelty of slavery, as we celebrate the strength, faith, courage, and creativity of Black communities.
This past week, we had the blessing of gathering at the Crosswicks Quaker Meeting House for a beautiful ecumenical Juneteenth event. It was a time to listen, learn, remember, and give thanks. There, we were blessed by a powerful poem about Black skin and the beauty, dignity, and story that many bodies carry.
It was a moving reminder that every person is created with sacred worth, bearing the image of God.
One of the stories that touched me deeply was about hair braiding. We learned how, for enslaved people, braids were not only beautifully decorative, they could also carry messages. In some cases, braids were used to show patterns, directions, and even maps that helped people find their way toward freedom. What looked like a hairstyle could also be a sign of wisdom, creativity, resistance, and hope.
That story stayed with me, making me reflect on how, even in the hardest times, people find ways to care for one another, protect one another, and move together toward freedom. In this way, enslaved people embodied the Gospel of Jesus, bearing witness to God’s justice, love, hope, and salvation even in the midst of oppression.
We are very grateful to Angela Robinson and Shirley Matlak from Crosswicks UMC for teaching us and leading such a meaningful time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your stories, and your hearts with us. We also give thanks for Dan Wolverton, also from Crosswicks UMC, who received an honorable mention for his service to the community.
May we carry Juneteenth lessons with gratitude, humility, and hope!
Warmly,
Rev. David Gaitan
