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As we commemorate this first Juneteenth to be recognized as a Federal holiday, we at Gamaliel also recognize it as a symbolic gesture that does not address the continued oppression of people of color in the United States.

We invite you to spend part of your day reading this reflection from the Chair of our Board of Directors, Rev. Dr. John C Welch:

"So, what about all of this? What about the centuries of harm imposed on Blacks in this country? We cannot celebrate the date of shadow liberation when all that has transpired since then has done nothing more than allow for the creation of variant systems of slavery. So, for me, Juneteenth does not mark the end of slavery; it marks the commencement of a new system of oppression and at this point, I cannot allow myself in good faith to celebrate Juneteenth and get distracted by a holiday marking my renewed oppression. I hope and pray others see it this way as well."