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Rockland County Legislature Celebrates & Reflects On Juneteenth

Legislators Toney Earl, Dana Stilley & Aney Paul Recognize Local Residents For Their Efforts In Bettering Our Communities

The Rockland County Legislature celebrated and recognized Juneteenth during a special program that included the recognition of local pastors and residents whose ongoing work has contributed to bettering our communities.

“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,” Rockland County Legislator Toney L. Earl said. “Too many African Americans simply do not have equal or even adequate access to higher education, housing, health care, employment and more. So, as we celebrate the freedom that Juneteenth has come to symbolize, let us also remember there is still much work to do. Our honorees are, and in many cases, have long been engaged in doing that work.”

Legislator Earl hosted the program along with County Legislator Dana G. Stilley and Legislative Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul.

Also attending were County Legislators Paul Cleary, Jesse Malowitz and Itamar Yeger, along with numerous community activists, Spring Valley NAACP President Willie Trotman and Jewish Federation & Foundation of Rockland CEO Ari Rosenbaum among them.

The following were recognized as the Rockland County Legislature’s 2025 Juneteenth honorees:

• Bill Batson

• Reverend Teresa Darden

• Pastor Jean Claude Dorcelly

• Reverend Mary J. Gibson

• Pastor Lionel Martel

• Pastor Joel Michel

• Pastor Fitzgerald Moodie

• Louise Parker

Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day, began on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when Union troops informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom. They delivered this incredible news two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

The first official Juneteenth celebration was in 1866, featuring prayer, songs, and dancing. Texas made it a state holiday in 1980, with other states following. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday.

The Rockland County Legislature declared June 19 as Juneteenth Day in Rockland County on an annual basis for many years and voted in July of 2020 to make it a permanent annual observance.

Today, Juneteenth honors African American history and culture, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for freedom and equality, and as a time for reflection on the legacy of slavery and the systemic racism facing our society.

“Too many people are unaware of America’s true history when it comes to enslaved peoples, including enslavement that occurred here in Rockland County,” Legislator Stilley 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.”

Legislator Stilley became the first Black woman to serve on the County Legislature following her successful election in 2023. Her term began Jan. 1, 2024.

The invocation was offered by Pastor Cedric McKoy of First Baptist Church. Trumpeter Brandon Hunt played “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Also known as “The Black National Anthem”). Medjine Antoine delivered a powerful poem about Juneteenth. Saxophonist Josiah Whatley played “The Star Spangled Banner.” Special Recognition was given to new U.S. Marine Aaron Rivera, who was home visiting family in Rockland before heading out on his first assignment.

Recognizing Reverend Teresa Darden

Honoring Pastor Jean Claude Dorcelly

Presenting the Distinguished Service Award to Reverend Mary J. Gibson

Recognizing Pastor Lionel Martel

Honoring Pastor Joel Michel

Presenting the Distinguished Service Award to Pastor Fitzgerald Moodie

Honoring Louise Parker

Accepting the DSA on behalf of Bill Batson