Archdiocese of Newark celebrates Juneteenth (Video, photos)

The faithful gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Sunday, June 23 for a music- and prose-filled service.

About 120 people clapped and danced to uplifting hymns handpicked by musical directors Remoh Mosley-Aviles and Henry C. Rawls, who wanted to reflect the impact of African American culture on the U.S. The performers were an eclectic mix of New York and New Jersey talent, including multiple members of the Jumuia Choir out of St. Patrick’s Church in Jersey City. At one point, the entire congregation sang along to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is often called the “Black National Anthem.”

“We must recognize Juneteenth because in order to correct mistakes and improve the future, we all must know the past,” said Rahsaan Garlin, associate director of the archdiocesan African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate, which organized the event. “To understand and have accountability is a step towards the right direction. And that right direction is having people discover their faith so they can worship and serve God.”  

First celebrated in 1886 and established as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth acknowledges the official end of slavery in the U.S. Looking ahead, the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate plans to continue hosting commemorative events like this one within the Archdiocese. Garlin hopes people of all communities and cultures will attend: “The Catholic religion is inclusive to all who worship the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God would want all of us to be one in Him.”

Dr. Uchenna Oneyani emceed the event and William Antoine, Esq., served as narrator. Featured artists included Claude Jay, Tonise Taylor, Kyra Lee, Lydia Mack-Vear, and Cathy McCoy Bristol.

Alan Lee, vocalist, actor —liturgical, classical, and gospel — said: “People of African descent were among the earliest settlers of what would become the United States, and the rich African musical heritage that they carried with them was part of the foundation of a new American culture that mixed African traditions with those of Europe and the Americas. Their work, songs, dance tunes, and religious music … would become the Lingua Franca of American music eventually influencing Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.”

The Archdiocesan African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate serves Black Catholics by sharing and strengthening the Catholic faith, encouraging Black youth to embrace faith and their cultural identity, and promoting faith leadership in the Black community. The Apostolate also follows the example of Bishop Joseph Abel Francis, the only Black auxiliary bishop in archdiocesan history, by regularly engaging in community outreach through its scholarship program and many other efforts. To learn more about the Apostolate, visit its webpage at www.rcan.org/aaaca/ or contact Associate Director Rahsaan Garlin at rahsaan.garlin@rcan.org.

Photos and video by Julio Eduardo Herrera