June 11, 2025

Celebrating Juneteenth

Author

Denee Bowers

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In 2021, Juneteenth completed the long journey of seeking official recognition from the government and becoming a federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth National Independence Day is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery.

Juneteenth design: Green, black, and red heart shapes over yellow with

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect on January 1, 1863 and free all enslaved people in the Confederacy. On June 19, 1865 Major General Granger ordered full enforcement of the law a full 900 days later. Because of its remote location at the time, Texas was the last state where slavery remained.


Celebrations that began in Galveston, TX grew to attract thousands of attendees. When the Jim Crow Era began many celebrations declined or disappeared all together. It was not until the late 1960s that the tradition saw a revival and cities and states began to make their own Juneteenth proclamations. Modern celebrations have become multicultural events with readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, music, food, and more.


Here is a list of some of the Juneteenth celebrations taking place throughout St. Louis:


"Tuskegee Airmen: America's Freedom Flyers"

Exhibit at the Missouri History Museum Soldiers Memorial

Opens Thursday, June 19 and runs through November 2 https://mohistory.org/exhibits/tuskegee-airmen


"Joyful Juneteenth: An Evening of Performances"

5:00 - 8:00 pm

Thursday, June 19

Edward and Margaret Imo Family Plaza https://mohistory.org/events/joyful-juneteenth


Juneteenth at The Griot Museum

11:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday, June 19

2505 Saint Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106 A celebration of history and culture. Food, music, storytelling, small businesses

and resources.

5:30pm Freedom March to St. Louis Place Parks 5th annual

Whitaker Music Festival

https://www.thegriotmuseum.com/events


SLSO Community Concert Juneteenth Concert

7:00 - 8:30pm

Thursday, June 19

Manchester United Methodist Church

129 Woods Mill Road Manchester, MO 63011 Experience an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration of song, spirit, and spoken

word by the IN UNISON Young Artists of the SLSO!




Neighbors Impacting Communities - Parade

9:00 - 10:30 am

Saturday, June 14

South Lafayette Street & Truman Drive

1500 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104



Celebrate Juneteenth with the Delmar Loop Saturday, June 14

Race for Reconciliation

8:30 - 10:30 am

Black-Owned Food Truck Pop-Up Park & Family Fun

12:00 – 4:00 pm

Evening Celebration & Performances

4:00 – 9:00 pm

This year, the vibrant communities of University City and St. Louis City, along

with Delmar Main Street and the St. Louis Reconciliation Network, are coming

together to host a powerful day of reflection, connection, and joy across Delmar

Boulevard.

https://explorestlouis.com/event/delmar-blvd-juneteenth-celebration/


By Denee Bowers May 12, 2026
Monday, May 25 | 9:00 AM | On the Green at St. Lucas UCC
By Denee Bowers May 12, 2026
Sunday, June 14 | 12:00 PM | Social Hall
By Denee Bowers May 12, 2026
Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting – April 27, 2026 and Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting – May 3, 2026 Informational Items: Update on Financial Audit Audit is complete and a very good overall report. It suggested some prior period adjustments and those were made in the quarter ending 12/31/25. Additional update from the Semi-Annual Meeting Roughly $25,000 in adjustments were made, leaving the year end 2025 deficit at approximately $100,000 instead of the previously reported $125,00. Financial Secretary recommends a review, not a full audit, every 3-5 years. Offering revenue remains soft for the first quarter; encouraging a stewardship effort to reinforce importance of giving despite Mayberry request. Update from Physical Facilities Ministry The lighting work on the sign facing Denny Road is complete. Council approved the recommended bid to replace five electrical panels at the cost of $28,000. The work will commence in July. Miscellaneous Updates Regarding status of the Parsonage Analysis, the tenant has renewed the lease, with a new term expiring April 30, 2027. Council is actively gathering additional data on the state of the property. Discussion favored waiting to decide on the process for decision-making until data collection is closer to completion. Action Taken: Approved the contract with Show-Me Electric to replace five electrical panels for $28,481. Approved Room 18/20 as the new primary Children's Ministry Sunday School space with conditions including a three week trial period to confirm space sustainability prior to any room modifications, council approve any permanent physical modifications, cleanliness and reasonable organization of the room be maintained, and council periodically review arrangement assuring space continues to meet needs of the broader church. Reviewed proposed revisions to the Keeping God's Children Safe policy. Postponed approval until May to incorporate a few non-material changes. The existing KGCS policy stays in effect in the interim. Closed Session Actions: Approved unpaid leave of absence for Amy Bush from June 8 to July 19. Finalized plans for celebrating the ministry of Lynn Fey Follis.  Semi-Annual Meeting Actions: Approved the Perpetual Endowment Trust appointment of Bob Mandava to an unexpired term ending December 31, 2027. Elected Sara Savat and Carolyn Schwartz to the Preschool Board, both serving three year terms.
By Denee Bowers April 28, 2026
Sunday, May 3 | After Worship | Social Hall
By Denee Bowers April 21, 2026
Our Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2026 following the 9:30 AM service. The meeting will be held both in-person and online on Zoom. A limited number of hard copies of the Semi-Annual report are available on the table outside of the Sanctuary. You can also read the Semi-Annual Report by clicking below. 
By Denee Bowers April 16, 2026
Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting - March 23, 2026 Informational Items: Update on Financial Audit As of the March council meeting, the initial phase was complete, and it was on track for a March 31 completion. An update is expected at the Semi-Annual Meeting Update from Physical Facilities Ministry Work is in progress collecting bids for the replacement of various electrical panels. Discussed the possibility of terminating HVAC yearly maintenance contract and assigning the duties to our maintenance manager, Lamour. Updates on athletic field contracts and the possible work (overseeding, moles) needed to the fields. Update from Personnel Ministry Currently working to update job descrip2ons to reflect actual duties and responsibilities; first step is gathering information from staff. Working on a better reporting system for vacation, PTO, and other time off. Goal is to have consistency in forms. Miscellaneous Updates Discussed the Ryan Burge UCC Analysis and St. Lucas’ standing relative to the denomination, highlighted in e-blast on 3/26. Requests were made for more demographic insights and to understand St. Lucas’ relative property footprint. Debrief of Council Conversation and planning for semi-annual meeting Actions Taken: Approved the Bequest Idea Submission Form Responses from the congregation are due May 3rd. Approved Memorial Committee expenditures, which included funds for updates to the sanctuary flowers, mulch for the Victory Garden, and assis2ng AV with the purchase of new wireless microphones.
A flyer for the St. Lucas UCC Semi-Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 3 at 10:45 am, with a gradient background over a church.
By Denee Bowers April 7, 2026
Sunday, May 3 | 10:45 am | St. Lucas UCC, 11735 Denny Rd.
Stone building of St. Lucas United Church of Christ with a steeple under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
By Denee Bowers March 31, 2026
St. Lucas UCC is inviting members to share ideas for how the Mayberry bequest can faithfully support the long-term vitality of our church. You may submit ideas using any of the following methods: 1. the online survey (preferred) 2. printing the form at home 3. picking up a form outside the Sanctuary Please submit one idea per form, using as many forms as necessary. Responses are due by Sunday, May 3rd.
A sign that says
By Denee Bowers March 30, 2026
Monday, April 13 | 3:00 to 6:00 pm | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126
By Denee Bowers March 30, 2026
Sunday, April 5 | 9:30 am | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126