Power in unity, power in prayer
Solidarity Ride focuses on racial freedom, equality and justice
By Logan J. Davis
Nearly a dozen riders and many vehicles were involved in a celebration of solidarity for Juneteenth last Friday. The ride began with only three horse riders, but along the route many riders joined them to make a total of 11 riders that participated along with many vehicles.
Juneteenth is a blending of the words, June and nineteenth and is the oldest known US celebration of the end of slavery. It commemorates June 19, 1865. That’s the day that Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told slaves of their emancipation from slavery.Juneteenth is recognized as a holiday by 46 states which leaves just four states that don’t recognize the holiday: Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana.
The prayers of the elders that were given at the starting point of the Juneteenth Honoring/Solidarity Ride were strong and powerful. The words of Tom Mandan and Delvin Driver Sr. gave the people taking part in the ride a reason to feel good about taking part in what is the solidarity that is needed in these times of division and racism.
