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On Saturday, June 17, with the sun shining tempered with a cool breeze, the members of The Central High Museum celebrated Juneteenth. With many in the audience the atmosphere was truly one of a worship service. All in attendance were gathered to honor the fact that on June 19, 1865, the African American slaves in Galveston, Texas learned that they were free.

The theme for the event was “Pressing On To Keep Hope Alive” and the songs sung by The New Beginnings Gospel Singers demonstrated the praise and worship of Juneteenth, in which the audience were active participants. Furthermore, the keynote speaker, The Honorable Mayor Wanda Morrison of Kenbridge, spoke about inspiring youth and adults to have faith in God encouraging them to have hopes and dreams for their life. Believe in what you can do through God’s help and grace surrounding yourself with people who will support you and have hope themselves. Unfortunately, there are individuals out there who don’t want to see your hope and dreams fulfilled as well as being jealous because you do.

In addition, Rev. Loretta Bailey and The Confident Women Ministry’s Skit, “God Can Turn It Around,” complimented Mayor Morrison’s inspiring words. Their performance displayed a praying mother rooted in her faith that God would turn her rebellious daughter’s life around and it happened. While watching the performance I had tears in my eyes, it was that powerful. Our youth gave a presentation of various words of encouragement and inspiration and the individuals who exemplify these attributes which the youth pledge to emulate. We should continue to stoke their flames of hope.

Also, Aiden Eubanks delivered a beautiful performance of “Is There Anybody Here Who Loves My Jesus?” in which the gathering to honor Jnueteenth with expressions of celebratory praise answers “yes”. Great food and items for sale, a car show along with museum tours reflect our community coming together in fellowship and learning about African American history reflecting on how far we’ve come as a people with still much work to be done.

The entire day was a culmination of celebrating Juneteenth and the hope realized when the slaves in Galveston found out two years after The Emancipation Proclamation that they were free. They pressed on in their hope that freedom was a reality which extends through the generations. Throughout America, the Juneteenth legacy is a commitment to celebrate and carry on that spirit which we can foster with encouragement keeping hope alive.

Judy Moore lives in Wylliesburg, is a tour guide at The Central High Museum and can be reached at v5agabond2@gmail.com.