January 2026

Juneteenth Reflections

Notes taken by Sharon Jarrett:

The 1619, Lingering Imprint Discussion Group met on June 21st at 12:00 PM PST.  There was no formal Agenda or presentation.  Dick Myers began by asking the participants about their experience with Juneteenth.

Participants had mixed emotions:

*   one person was concerned about how the holiday was being commercialized.

•  another expressed having a negative experience and feeling used.
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This was followed by the question, “Did you celebrate this holiday growing up"

 *   a participant indicated the holiday had been the impetus to investigate her family.  She discovered she was descended from ensiled and free who had purchased their freedom.  The family was originally from Mobile, Alabama.  The family members were Catholic and she was aided in her research by church records.

This led to a discussion of the Kilby Cousins and the research they used to discover family members.

*   the role of the program Coming to the Table sponsored by the Mennonite Church was discussed.

•  in the end, it was agreed that there were positive and negative aspects to the celebration. Indicating any ,movement toward full non revisionist history is a positive.
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The group next discussed slavery in California.  California was admitted to the union as a non slave state.   However, in practice slaves were permitted in the state if purchased prior to entering the state. It is estimated that one third of the African Americans in the state in 1850 were enslaved.  The role of African American labor during the Gold Rush was discussed. In addition a number of significant people and events were discussed including: Stagecoach Mary, the 8 second rodeo, the recent merging of the Negro League statistics into Major League Baseball records.

A participant joining from Oregon shared that Oregon was admitted as a free state.  However, state laws were enacted which forced African Americans citizens out of the state. 

The role of Secret Societies in shaping communities was discussed.  

These books were discussed:

• Poverty by America.       Matthew Desmond
• Before the Mayflower.    Lerone Bennett.    1962
• Democracy Awakening.  Heather Cox Richardson
• What went Wrong with Capitalism?     Ruchir Sharma
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These books can be purchased through Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena.

 Also, another member has contributed “ Expert Breaks Down History of Juneteenth,” where CNN's Victor Blackwell speaks with African American Museum of History and Culture curator Mary Elliot on the history and significance of Juneteenth.

 The meeting concluded at 1:30 PM PST.  The next meeting will be June 5th at 10:00 AM PST. 

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