From the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer:
Church of the Redeemer in Morristown once again will host a free Juneteenth celebration from 5 pm to 9 pm, rain or shine, on June 9, 2018.
There will be soul food, music by Elder Terence Kitchings, stories of the Underground Railroad by Colleen Hintz, and at 8 pm, a screening of Come Hell or High Water, a film about what happens when graves are bulldozed to make way for the sprawling city of Gulfport, Miss.
What began on the lawn of Redeemer in 2013 as the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation has now become a town-wide celebration with events throughout the day around Morristown.
It is a national observance to remember when Union Soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in 1865. It is an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States.
“We love having a chance to invite all of Morristown to our front lawn,” said the Rev. Cynthia Black, rector of the Church of the Redeemer. “And this event is a great way to celebrate the best of our community—coming together in joyous diversity.”
The town-wide schedule includes Civil War reenactments at Historic Speedwell from 10 am to 5 pm; a variety of activities on the Morristown Green from 1 pm to 3 pm, including a concert by Kim and Reggie Harris, a presentation by Frederick Douglass re-enactor Fred Morsell, Colored Troop interpreters, and Emancipation Day art activities.
Journey to the Beloved Community: Community Conversation on Race, will be held at the Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 S. Park Place, from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Activities at Redeemer are from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The Church of the Redeemer, at 36 South Street, Morristown, is a Christian liberation community in the Episcopal tradition, serving the people of Morristown and beyond for more than 165 years.
Sunday services are at 8 am and 9:30 am (inclusive worship). As part of its practice of radical hospitality, the church provides space to the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, the Eric Johnson House (part of NJ AIDS Services), a number of 12 step groups, and Empty Bowl Zendo.
