New City, NY – The Rockland County Legislature held a special Juneteenth program today, celebrating the holiday by recognizing local residents and spiritual leaders who have significantly contributed to improving the community.
Hosted by Legislators Toney L. Earl, Dana G. Stilley, and Legislative Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, the program emphasized both celebration and reflection. “We all know that freedom is far more than a removal of physical servitude and that today, the fight for freedom and for equality continues,” said Legislator Earl. “Our honorees are, and in many cases, have long been engaged in doing that work.”
The event drew a wide representation of county leaders and organizations, including Legislators Paul Cleary, Jesse Malowitz, and Itamar Yeger, alongside Spring Valley NAACP President Willie Trotman and Jewish Federation & Foundation of Rockland CEO Ari Rosenbaum.
2025 Juneteenth Honorees:
- Bill Batson
- Rev. Teresa Darden
- Pastor Jean Claude Dorcelly
- Rev. Mary J. Gibson
- Pastor Lionel Martel
- Pastor Joel Michel
- Pastor Fitzgerald Moodie
- Louise Parker
The Juneteenth commemoration included stirring cultural presentations: Pastor Cedric McKoy of First Baptist Church opened with an invocation; Brandon Hunt performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on trumpet; Medjine Antoine delivered a powerful original poem on Juneteenth; and Josiah Whatley performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” on saxophone.
In a heartfelt moment, U.S. Marine Aaron Rivera received special recognition as he prepares for deployment following a visit home to Rockland.
Legislator Dana Stilley, who became the first Black woman to serve on the County Legislature in 2024, emphasized the importance of education and historical truth. “Too many people are unaware of America’s true history when it comes to enslaved peoples, including enslavement that occurred here in Rockland County,” she said. “Through education and a sharing of accurate history we can learn from our past and make changes so that everyone in America experiences equality in all endeavors.”
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, began on June 19, 1865, when Union troops in Galveston, Texas, informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom—over two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth a holiday in 1980. It became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
Rockland County declared June 19 as Juneteenth Day many years ago, later making it a permanent annual observance in July 2020. Today, Juneteenth serves not only as a celebration of African American heritage and resilience, but also as a solemn reminder of the continuing struggle for racial justice and equality.