Celebrating Juneteenth

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/

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Council Corner - August 24 Meeting Update

By Denee Bowers • September 4, 2026

Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting – August 24, 2026 Informational Items: Update from Financial Ministry Meals on Wheels opted not to renew their annual grant funding for our Backpack program. We are currently seeking alternative funding – we appreciate the continued support of the Sugarbaker Foundation, which helps supplement this mission. The 2026-2027 Backpack Program is still being planned, but it could look different than previous years. Update from Physical Facilities Ministry The new breaker boxes passed the county inspection and we’re still in the process of labeling each breaker. Social Hall air conditioning is still leaking – will continue refilling the freon until the new coil can be install (see Actions Taken). Miscellaneous Updates Following discussion regarding the next step in the Bequest process, Council will develop a perspective to bring to the congregation by the Annual Meeting. It was not voted on but it was the consensus - that we would be prioritizing and developing a vision. Personnel Ministry is continuing their work on updating staff job descriptions and preparing for goal-setting, while finalizing budget recommendations for the Finance Ministry. The Cemetery is surveying the remaining open ground on the eastern area of the Park Hills section, allowing for more two grave and single plots. Looking Ahead – Items Upcoming in Next 1-2 Months Approval of 2027 Budget Approval of delegates for the Conference Meeting in November ( we have two of the three needed for the Conference meeting; still need four delegates for the Association meeting – please reach out if you’re interested in serving ). Performance Reviews and Goal Setting Employee Manual Updates (2019 version) Approval of revised Disaster Preparedness Proposal Upcoming Events – In an effort to better prepare for the various events and events within events, Council members use a more detailed calendar . We hope this tool also helps you better plan for Church activities. Celebration Sunday is September 13 th – this special St. Lucas tradition is open to everyone and follows the conclusion of service; it also falls on Grandparents Days, another reason to celebrate together. Community Meal is October 4 th – this one-time event commemorates Good Neighbor Week and is sponsored by a grant from ServMO and America250. More info to come. Actions Taken: Approved a bid from IFS for $16,986 to repair and replay the fellowship hall chiller coil and install hail guards. While we wait for parts, installation may not happen for 6 weeks. Approved appointments to the nominating committee (Kirk Dalgaard, Jack Laudenslager, and Linda Taylor). One council term is ending in 2026.