DURHAM - The Diocese of Raleigh’s Juneteenth celebration took place at Holy Cross Catholic Church Saturday, June 25.
The event was sponsored by the diocesan African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network, or AAMEN. The festival began with Mass on the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated by Father Pius Wekesa, pastor of Holy Cross.
William Taylor prepared music for the Mass, which included hymns that were uplifting for the occasion. The prayers of the faithful included the names of members of AAMEN, starting with Monsignor Thomas Hadden, who were called home to the Lord. Their names were submitted by AAMEN chapter members and are listed in the AAMEN Book of Remembrance.
About 65 braved the hot weather, coming from throughout the diocese. A large tent on the Holy Cross lawn provided shelter from the sun; the parish hall provided a cool place to sit, talk, play card games and play chess.
Children burned off energy in the inflated bounce house. And a food truck – Safari Eatz – provided an Afro-infused lunch menu inspired by Chef Andrew Mlamba. Mlamba is a native of Mombasa, a city in southeastern Kenya along the Indian Ocean where many of the authentic dishes are influenced by the Indian and Arabic cultures.
Delicious cupcake desserts were provided by The Pastry Bar and its owner/baker Tiffany Joyner. A tasty Juneteenth celebration themed cake was also served. Music was provided by DJ Panou Vital Messan and African drummers from Durham were the entertainment.
Organizers said the event provided an opportunity for families and friends to spend time together, discuss African American history and to remember those who met the struggles with dignity and perseverance.
More about Juneteenth in the United States
A Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2021
JUNE 18, 2021
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America
On June 19, 1865 — nearly nine decades after our Nation’s founding, and more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation — enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free from bondage. As those who were formerly enslaved were recognized for the first time as citizens, Black Americans came to commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations across the country, building new lives and a new tradition that we honor today. In its celebration of freedom, Juneteenth is a day that should be recognized by all Americans. And that is why I am proud to have consecrated Juneteenth as our newest national holiday.
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