St. Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church in Lakewood, fondly known as St. JJ, will be hosting their second annual National Freedom Day “Juneteenth” celebration, and the City of Lakewood have partnered with them. Plus, they will be joined by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

It will be a day of learning and relearning the history of Juneteenth, the abolishment of slavery in America.

The event is community-oriented, the theme is “We are Family.” Speakers will be Deputy Mayor Mary Moss of Lakewood and keynote speaker Retired Pastor Robert Penton. There will be singers from the Lakewood Playhouse, LaNita Walters, dance instructor and former Disney dancer, Jasmine Wright, poetry reading, and Selma Bridge participant when he was 12 years old, Johnny Lewis. There will also be audience participation. They also have vendors such as Lakewood Library, Lakewood YMCA, the Oasis LGTBQ youth group, and many more. Light refreshments. They are so honored and excited for this upcoming commemoration.