Published July 12. 2023 02:03PM
by Dennis Glew Special to The 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 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 homegrown 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 By Dennis Glew To open the celebration, the audience stands to offer prayer in gratitude for the freedom they enjoy as citizens of the United States.
The Rev. Kari Holmes sings a hymn of thanksgiving for the many blessings Black Americans have received.
Jennifer Swan's unobtrusive drumming throughout the event responds to the emotions of the moment – joyful, calm or intense, as the occasion required.
At the conclusion of the celebration, audience members choose 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).
