CARRBORO, N.C. -- Happy Juneteenth!
Wednesday, June 19, is proclaimed Juneteenth National Independence Day in Carrboro by Mayor Barbara Foushee, who encourages all residents to carry the spirit of Juneteenth with them all year long and learn more about the history of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Read the proclamation at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions ;
On July 14, 2020, the Carrboro Town Council adopted a resolution designating Juneteenth as an official paid holiday for Town employees. In 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day was declared a federal holiday.
The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration was held on Sunday, June 16, where we fellowshipped, enjoyed music, speakers, history, culture and more.
Learn more about Carrboro's observance of Juneteenth at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2714/Juneteenth
Mayor Foushee, who opened the Carrboro-Chapel Hill Juneteenth Celebration, read a poem by Dr. Kathryn E. Nelson.
“Meditation In Black” by Dr. Kathryn E. Nelson
O Lord, God of my salvation,
It’s morning and the sun is shining brightly.
It makes the world seem good and beautiful.
But Lord, the coffee
doesn’t even taste good.
My paper’s full of hate and meanness.
I think I need some time to think and pray and
Lift this burden off my soul.
Folks were expressing their concerns about welfare,
And minority contractors and
affirmative action,
When up steps Mr. Letter to the Editor asking:
“What do you people want? We’ve given you voting
Rights and opportunities for education so you can
Better yourselves. I’m sick of you people trying to
Make me feel guilty about your failure.”
I want to shout, “Who died and left you king?
Who are you to dole out rights and opportunities?”
My mother told me they only act that way because
They only feel good about themselves when they’re
Looking down on somebody.
My Big Mama said, “You respect people because of
Who you are, not because of who they are.”
I find there are those who are so sure I’m inferior
goods, they don’t read my resume or listen to my ideas.
They say no before they even hear my questions.
Seems anyone can come from anywhere in the world
And get welcomed, but my people, working all these
Years, paying taxes, building this country,
are denied opportunities, told they’re not ready.
Lord knows, I’ve tried to live out my creed
I’ve tried to be a lover, a learner, your servant.
I’ve tried to be worthy of trust. I’ve tried
To make the world a better place in which to live and grow.
I know the gifts I’ve brought are small in the face
Of so much need but I’ve offered
them with sincerity
And hope...hope for today, tomorrow, and the future.
