Letter: Kent area churches to honor Juneteenth during worship this Sunday

Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are not published because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.

Juneteenth is an important day of observance for all Americans. The day calls us to reflect upon the importance of studying the history and relevance of American enslavement of men and women from Africa and of the 1863 Proclamation of Emancipation which took over two years to enforce. Juneteenth also honors the resilience of descendants of those enslaved who have persevered despite massive barriers to equality and freedom. And the holiday reminds us that there is more work needed in the fight for equal rights for all in today’s American society.