For the past four years, the Peters Family, descendants of Cesar Peters — an enslaved man who lived and worked in Hebron and with his wife raised a family — have played an important role in Hebron’s Juneteenth Celebration.
During this time, our relationship with the Peters family has grown and strengthened…such that, we asked (and they agreed) that this year’s celebration will be organized by members of the Peters family, with CoDE’s support. We’ve come full circle in understanding how a predominantly white organization can best honor and celebrate the history of our Black neighbors – by standing back while they lead.
So, this year’s Juneteenth Celebration in Hebron will be organized by The Peters Family, with support from CoDE and the Town of Hebronbn.
It will be held on Saturday, June 20th, from 12-3pm at the historic Peters House in Hebron. There will be singing, drumming and dance, storytelling, spoken word, soul food and dessert, children’s activities, and discussions about the lives of Cesar Peters and his descendants.
We hope you’ll join us for this special day!
In addition, on Friday, June 19th at 6:30pm, there will be a special performance at St. Peter’s Church (in a collaboration between the Sanctuary Performing Arts and CoDE). Actor Fred Morsell will give a moving portrayal of Frederick Douglass, reading his famous speech, “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July.”
This speech was given by Frederick Douglass to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society on July 5, 1852, criticizing the chasm between America’s founding principles and the institution of slavery. Douglass lamented that Independence Day wasn’t a day of celebration for enslaved people.
Since 1985, Fred Morsell has portrayed Frederick Douglass in performances across the country. Accolades of his performance can be found in featured articles by the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, and others across the country.
“It is a great honor to have such an accomplished actor come to Hebron – all the way from Montana – to help us commemorate Juneteenth and our country’s 250th anniversary,” said Father Ron Kolanowksi, rector of St. Peter’s Church.
Tickets for the performance ($20 for adults, $5 for youth) can be purchased here.
