Rev. Dr. Forbes. Photo: Facebook
This year marks the 154th year of African American freedom and the abolishment of the stain of human bondage in America. Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., senior minister emeritus, Riverside Church, president and founder, Healing of the Nations Foundation, in association with New York’s historic Carnegie Hall, present the 5th Annual Juneteenth celebration commemorating the end of slavery in America for people of color on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00 PM at Carnegie Hall in New York.
This momentous occasion will also observe the 400th anniversary of the first African arriving in the United States in 1619. The program is taking place for the first time at the historic Carnegie Hall, a co-host of the event.
Each year, the event honors individuals who have a commitment to civil rights and have been champions of justice for the oppressed and disenfranchised. Honorees this year are: Bishop Michael B. Curry, the first African American to serve as presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and who delivered the homily at the Royal wedding of Prince Harry Windsor and actress Meghan Markle; filmmaker, musician and activist Bree Newsome Bass, who climbed the flagpole of the South Carolina State Capitol building and lowered the Confederate flag and Carmen Perez, National Co-Chair of The Women’s March, and Executive Director of Gathering for Justice – a nonprofit founded by legendary artist and activist Harry Belafonte, who has dedicated 20 years to advocating for many of today’s important civil rights issues.
Emmy award-winning public affairs journalist Bill Moyers will deliver the Statement of the Occasion, and two-time Emmy Award winner, and host of the nationally syndicated weekly talk show “Matter of Fact” Soledad O’Brien will be the mistress of ceremony for the evening.
There will be stellar performance by jazz pianist, composer, producer and Grammy-award winner Cyrus Chestnut, awarding-winning jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, Broadway and Gospel music composer and music director, Joseph Joubert, The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble under the leadership of Rev. Eugene Palmore and Pamela Eatman, The Harlem Chamber Players, Fresh 2 Life Drummers and the Juneteenth Mass Choir, conducted by Mark Miller.
“The Healing of the Nations Foundation invites our fellow citizens to recognize Juneteenth as the All-American freedom day and declare with us that none of us is truly free until all of us are fully free,” Dr. Forbes said. “As the very integrity of our democracy is in jeopardy, we come together to highlight the values we honor. Through this celebration, it is our desire to inspire and empower communities to further their commitment to freedom and justice for all.”
The 2019 sponsors are: Healing of the Nations Foundation, The Drum Major Institute, educational institutions, and individual supporters, and Belvedere.
For ticket information: 212-247-7800
Time 7PM – 9PM
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