Students, staff, and community members gathered at McMahon School to celebrate the school’s first-ever Juneteenth event.
During an event held on the school’s front lawn, counselor Amber Bracey presented attendees Juneteenth flags to wave and then invited student speaker Jayvion Rodriguez to read the poem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steven Moguel then delivered the keynote, sharing that while today we celebrate togetherness, there is still work to be done. “This is the kind of event that you’ll remember 10, 20 years from now,” said Dr. Moguel, speaking to students. “When you need to stand up for what’s right, you’ll remember celebrating together today, and it will guide you.”
After remarks by Dr. Moguel, students shared poems they wrote about the meaning of freedom. Jayvion Rodrigues, Christian Lorenzo, Jenzell Santiago, Anika Colflesh, Natalia West, and Catalina Stallings each took a turn at the podium before the official flag raising commenced. McMahon principal Karyn McDermott closed the ceremony by sharing how the day’s celebration came to be.
“Last year I was asked, ‘When are we celebrating black joy at school?’ said Ms. McDermott. From that question, a staff committee was formed, leading to the creation of EN White’s first Juneteenth event last year, and McMahon’s first Juneteenth event today. Committee members envisioned a celebration of the day as a backyard cookout, with a spirit of warmth and community.
For many, that vision came true at McMahon today. Following the ceremony, a cookout featuring the HPS food truck and lawn games were set up for students to share in the joy of the holiday. HPS students and staff have a holiday tomorrow, June 19, in honor of the national holiday.