From Juneteenth Reading, PA
Juneteenth Reading, PA announces the following activities as part of its Juneteenth Holiday Celebration from Tuesday, June 10, through Thursday, June 19.
Month of June – Buy Black Initiative – Support Black-Owned Businesses
Tuesday, June 10 @ 1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11 @ 2 p.m.
Location: Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Road, Reading
Film showing: “Juneteenth Faith and Freedom Documentary”
Learning opportunity: Uncover the deep spiritual significance of America’s newest federal holiday with Pastor Rasool Berry. Learn how scripture inspired the faith of enslaved people, travel to the church where America’s first Juneteenth celebration took place, and uncover why newly liberated men and women credited God for their freedom. With special guests Ms. Opal Lee, Lecrae, and more, you’ll journey to Galveston, Texas, to discover a faith stronger than suffering.
Thursday, June 12 @ TBD
Location: Reading Public Museum
Film and community conversation
Thursday, June 12 @ 2 p.m.
Location: Pendora Park, Reading
Youth intro: Olivet Boys & Girls Club
Documentary showing: Grandmother of Juneteenth Ms. Opal Lee w/ discussion
Friday, June 13 @ noon
Location: City Park, Reading
Flag raising ceremony
Please bring a lawn chair and water.
Friday, June 13 @ 2 p.m.
Location: Berks History Center Historical Society Museum & Henry Janssen Library, 940 Centre Ave., Reading
Kickoff reception with community conversation
Theme: “Across the Diaspora: Unity, Liberation, and the Global Ties That Bind Us” with a broader focus on “From Chains to Change: Honoring the Journey, Embracing the Future.”
Facilitator: Dr. Joseph Amprey, Bowie State University
Panelist: Dr. Khalid Mumin, Superintendent, RSD; Dr. Moro Osumanu, Directory of Public Relations at the Islamic Society of Berks County; Dr. Camil Culbreath, Directory of Family & Community Engagement, RSD; Dr. Olubunmi K Ojikutu, Chair, Department of Pediatrics; and Dr. Bruce N. Alick, pastor, Zion Baptist Church
Friday, June 13 @ 5 p.m.
Location: Berks History Center Historical Society Museum & Henry Janssen Library, 940 Centre Ave., Reading
Announcement of freedom
History of Juneteenth
Recognition of local unsung heroes: Chosen 300, Zion Baptist Church, Hands of Mercy
Personal Juneteenth experiences: videos
Host: Sis. Elta Jackson-Henry, Seventh Day Rehoboth SDA Church
Saturday, June 14 @ noon to 6 p.m.
Location: Berks Lodge # 47, 237 Walnut St., Reading
Community family barbecue featuring free food and beverages
History of the Haitian Revolution
Black business history tour
Resource information circle
Resource development and growth
Conversation topics: Visions Federal Credit Union (Financial Literacy); Albright College (Academic Experience); Nicole Kennedy, Real Estate Agency (Home Buying Programs); (Journey to Becoming); and AmeriHealth Caritas Mobile Unit (Health & Wellness)
Entertainment, games, face painting, Twister, and tug of war contests
Artistic expressions by GoggleWorks
Stewart, Archie book exchange. Donations accepted, new and used books, culturally-appropriate
Father’s Day raffle
Non-perishable donations are being accepted (food bank or animal shelter)
Sunday, June 15
Location: Holy Trinity Church of God, 130 W. Buttonwood St.
Closing Celebration
Location: vicinity of Front and Buttonwood streets
Community prayer walk
Sunday, June 15 @ 10:15 a.m.
Morning worship
Thursday, June 19
Location: Reading Public Museum & Planetarium
Free admission
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag