Published July 03. 2023 12:35PM
by Dennis Glew Special to the Bethlehem Press
On the beautiful evening of June 17 approximately 75 people gathered in the Sculpture Garden next to Bethlehem’s City Hall to celebrate the freeing of the last enslaved people in the United States in 1865 – Juneteenth as the occasion has been known since that date. Formally entitled the National Independence Day, Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021.
Sponsored by the Bethlehem chapter of the NAACP, the celebration recognized, first, the cultural achievements of Black Americans. Poetry was recited by Deidre Van Walters, several songs were presented by the Rev. Kari Holmes, and drumming was performed by Jennifer Swan. One of the challenges that the Black community faces was identified by Adirah Levy, a certified nutrition and wellness coach, who spoke at length about the problems of Black farmers and the importance of home-grown organic food to the Black community. At the end she distributed packets of vegetable seeds to audience members interested in cultivating their own gardens
PRESS PHOTOS BY DENNIS GLEW To open the celebration, the audience stood to offer prayer in gratitude for the freedom that they enjoy as citizens of the United States. Our photo coverage continues of A2.
The Rev. Kari Holmes sang a hymn of thanksgiving for the many blessings that Black Americans have received.
Three seniors at Bethlehem high schools – Siddiq Small, Malachy Holmes, and Alvaro Davila – were awarded scholarships for college by the Bethlehem NAACP. Above, Malachy Holmes thanks the organization for its support. Standing with him is Thomacene Nickens, vice president of the Bethlehem Chapter.
Jennifer Swan's unobtrusive drumming throughout the event responded to the emotions of the moment – joyful, calm, or intense, as the occasion required.
Rayah Levy, a candidate for the board of the Bethlehem Area School District, listened while her sister-in-law, Adirah Levy, advocated for Black farming and a healthful diet based on grains. Seated behind the speaker are (right) Esther Lee, president of the Bethlehem NAACP, and Thomacene Nickens, vice president.
At the conclusion of the celebration audience members chose seed packets to take home and plant. From left to right: Hariah Koehler, Kiara Redmond, who is standing in front of her aunt, Barbara Redmond, secretary of the Allentown NAACP, Rayah Levy and Jessica Lee (back to camera).
