June 22nd, 2025

A Prayer for Juneteenth

Jason Dorsette

  Jason Dorsette, immediate past president of the Linn Benton NAACP Branch, emceed the organization's 13th annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 21 at Linn-Benton Community College. He opened the celebration with this prayer:
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  Gracious and Eternal Maker,
  We gather today to commemorate Juneteenth—a day that marked the dawn of freedom for our ALL of our enslaved across this nation. 
  On this sacred day of remembrance, we bow our heads in gratitude and lift our hands to say THANK YOU! 
  We thank You for the strength and resilience of those who endured the darkness of bondage, those folk who held fast to hope when hope seemed lost, and those who never ceased to believe that freedom would come.
  We acknowledge that the journey from slavery to true equality has been long and challenging. 
  We remember those who fought and died for civil rights, who marched for justice, and who organized communities in the face of hatred and violence. 
  We are grateful for organizations like the NAACP and others that have carried the torch of freedom forward through generations of struggle.
  Today, and everyday, we commit ourselves anew to the work of justice. Help us to be bridge-builders in a politically divided world, to speak truth to power, and to stand with all who face oppression. 
  Grant us wisdom to educate, courage to advocate, and compassion to heal the wounds that still divide us.
  Bless our young people with knowledge of their history and pride in their heritage. May they understand that they are the descendants of survivors, dreamers, and freedom fighters.
  Bless our elders who have paved the way and continue to guide us with their wisdom and experience.
  Bless our communities with unity, purpose, and the determination to create a more perfect union where justice truly rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
  As we celebrate this day of liberation, remind us that freedom is not a destination but a journey—one that requires our constant vigilance, our persistent action, and our unwavering faith.
  May the spirit of Juneteenth inspire us to continue the work of creating beloved community, where all people can live in dignity, equality, and peace.
​  In Your precious name we pray, AMEN!

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