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NIAGARA, Wis. -- This week I want to take a look at what most of us will consider a new holiday, yet a segment of our society has been celebrating it since 1865. I am referring to Juneteenth, an observance which marks and celebrates the end of slavery in our country. It also challenges all of us to a better understanding of an institution that continues in many subtler forms today.
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Because Texas was the most remote of the slave states, it was the last one to receive word. This monumental news was delivered on June 19, 1865 -- a full two-and-one-half years later -- by General Gordon Granger when he arrived in Galveston to inform its citizens that all slaves had been freed. The proclamation read in part, "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."
In 1866, the first Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. Along with attending special prayer meetings and singing spirituals, many in the African community wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. In 1872, a group of Black ministers and businessmen in Houston purchased ten acres of land to create what is now known as Emancipation Park where they hoped annual Juneteenth celebrations would take place for generations. Celebrations have continued across our country and typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food and dancing. Texas declared Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980, and a number of other states followed its example. President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday just last year. This day is also celebrated outside our country as an end to slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans.
Freedom has not been an easy journey for African Americans in our country. As Harriet Tubman famously stated when she ran to her freedom in the north, "I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land." As a country, we still lived through the tumultuous years of Reconstruction after the Civil War, the Jim Crow south, and the civil rights unrest in the 1960's. Today we see the Black Lives Matter movement as a direct reaction to the George Floyd killing and the ongoing injustices to people of color. As Coretta Scott King stated, "Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation."
Many of us may be tempted to believe that the struggle for equality is over for our Black citizens. We have learned that African Americans have fought for our country in every war throughout our shared history. We know of Black owned businesses. We cite the achievements of Black individuals in sports, see them win awards in film and music and other entertainment industries, and acknowledge their contributions to every aspect of our society. We may find ourselves believing that slavery is over and that the Black population of today has "nothing to complain about."
Yet a closer look at other statistics tells a different story. Black citizens of this country get stopped more frequently by police. They are incarcerated in greater numbers. Many more live in poverty. Tax dollars somehow never make it to their schools. Healthcare is routinely substandard or denied them. Infant mortality in the Black community remains higher.
I was recently sent an eye-opening article by a member of "Christians for Racial Understanding," a local group dedicated to a better understanding of the racism that persists in our both our community and our nation. Titled, "Rules Black People Follow," it gives all of us a look into the day-to-day lives of our Black citizens. Here is just a sampling:
-- My mother taught me to always ask for a bag and receipt, no matter how small the purchase, or you can be accused of stealing.
-- As a Black man, my father taught me, when being pulled over by the police, to pull your insurance and registration out of the glovebox and keep it ready at your seat. That way, you do not have to reach in the glovebox when the police are at your window.
-- When road tripping, every Black person knows not to stop in a rural area for gas or even a restroom break if you can help it, especially at night; there are still "sundown towns" to be avoided.
-- Never ever put your hands in your pockets while walking around a store. If you don't want to give them a reason to follow you around or call the police, your hands need to be visible at all times.
-- As a Black man, never get into an elevator with a woman alone. Always wait for the next one.
-- No matter how cold or windy it is, my hood stays off and my earbuds stay out of my ears.
-- As a Black man who loves hip-hop, I often have to censor the music that I listen to so I won't be judged a thug.
-- Something I know I have to be careful of in public (as a person mixed with white and Black) is remembering which parent I'm with and how to act. I have to make sure I act okay so I'm not labelled 'ghetto' with my mom or 'white washed' with my dad.
-- As a Black woman, I usually keep my college jacket in the car. If I have to go to the emergency room, I'll receive better treatment if doctors see that I have a higher education.
-- As a Black woman who works a swing shift and gets off work at 11 p.m., I will not take off my name badge until I get inside my garage. I need to have a layer of protection to prove I'm not up to no good in case I get pulled over.
How sad to have to take so many precautions just to be safe and to go about your day. And why? Black is not evil. Black does not mean ignorance. Black is not less than, and it certainly does not justify suspicion or disrespect. We are all human no matter our color, and we all just try to do the best we can from day to day. As Desmond Tutu put it, "My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."
So, in honor of this "new" holiday of Juneteenth, let us rededicate ourselves to examining our own prejudice and to seeking to understand how we continue to place obstacles in the way of true freedom. Let us remember the words of Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977), activist and co-founder of the Freedom Democratic Party, "Nobody's free until everybody's free."
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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community
Kingsford
906-774-1530
Freeman's has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.
Sunday: Church on TV, 9 a.m.; crossword puzzle, 10 a.m.; self-activity cart, 2 p.m.
Monday: Let's tell a story, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; shut the box, 2 p.m.; baking group, 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Outside group, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.; group chat, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee clutch, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; lucky 7, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Exercise group, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m..; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, 3 p.m.
Friday: No information available.
Saturday: No information available.
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Cooking, 9 to 11 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; DT lunch, 12 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m., room visits, 1 p.m.; ice cream social in the pavilion, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; church with Doris/wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.
Friday: No information available.
Saturday: No information available.
ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)
Kingsford
906-774-4805
The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.
Sunday: Uno, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.
Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; sunglasses bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Friday: No information available.
Saturday: No information available.
Maryhill Manor Nursing Home
Niagara, Wis.
715-251-3172
Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.
Sunday: Book club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Monday: Help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Devotionals, 10 a.m.; court yard camp fire, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass with Fr. Albert, 1 p.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.
Friday: Pictionary, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; court yard bag toss and popsicles, 2 p.m.
Florence Health Services
(formerly Golden Living Center)
Florence, Wis.
715-528-4833
Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.
Victorian Pines
Iron Mountain
906-774-5158
Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo; 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; craft class, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo; 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.
Friday: No information available.
Saturday: No information available.
Pinecrest Medical
Care Facility
Powers
906-497-5244
Sunday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Phase 10, 2 p.m.
Monday: Float decorating, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Scattegories, 10:30 a.m.; float decorating, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Friday: No information available.
Saturday: No information available.
SENIOR CENTERS
Alpha-Mastodon Center
906-875-3315
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
This center remains open. The only change is that the Iron River Center will cook and deliver the meals each week.
Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, fruit and milk.
Wednesday: Vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich, crackers, fruit and milk.
Thursday: Meat ravioli, green beans, breadstick, dessert and milk.
Breen Center
Kingsford
906-774-5110
Now open for dine-in eating -- serving at noon. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Spaghetti, meat sauce, garlic bread and green beans.
Tuesday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.
Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, chef choice vegetable.
Thursday: Chicken strips, potato wedges and carrots.
Friday: Pasty pie and mixed vegetables.
Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.
Crystal Falls Center
Head Cook: Sterling Peryam
Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara
906-875-6709
The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout -- call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. -- call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Beef stew with dinner rolls.
Wednesday: Turkey tetrazzini with green peppers and noodles.
Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency
DICSA
Iron Mountain
906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.
Home delivered meals only -- call to make arrangements. Menu for the week --
Monday: Pizza and garlic bread.
Tuesday: Orange chicken and rice, Oriental vegetables, dinner roll and butter.
Wednesday: Liver and onions, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots.
Thursday: Chicken strips, potato wedges and carrots.
Friday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and buttered corn.
Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.
For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.
Crystal Lake Center
Iron Mountain
906-828-1776
Schedule for the week is:
Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes' art club, noon to 4 p.m.; wood carvers, noon to 4 p.m.
Tuesday: Cards -- Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 4 p.m. Card cost is .25 per card, 10 games are played.
Thursday: Cards -- Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.
Friday: Cards -- Smear, noon to 4 p.m.
Felch Center
906-246-3559
Now open for dine-in eating -- call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Fried fish or Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and corn.
Tuesday: Philly steak sandwich, chips and salad.
Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and winter blend vegetables.
Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Director: Tiffany White
Restrictions have lifted at some centers -- see below. Menu for the week --
Monday: Chef's salad, breadstick, cottage cheese and fruit.
Tuesday: Homemade pizza, dark green salad and fruit.
Wednesday: Pulled pork on a bun, sweet potato fries, baked beans, fruit and dump cake.
Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts and fruit.
Friday: No information available.
Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.
Fence Center/Town Hall
715-336-2980
RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372
Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.
Florence Community Center/Town Hall
RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261
Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.
Tipler Town Hall
RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320
Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.
Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora
RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491
Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Hermansville Center
Coordinator: Barb Peters
906-498-7735
Now open -- information coming soon.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Now open for dine-in eating -- serving at 11 a.m. -- salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Pizza burger, French fries and cauliflower.
Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and carrots.
Wednesday: Vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich and crackers.
Thursday: Meat ravioli, green beans and breadsticks.
All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.
Niagara Senior Center/Cafe
715-251-1603
The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Due to staffing shortages, the Red Brick Inn will prepare and deliver all meals to the center. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.
Monday: Sloppy Joes, three bean salad, macaroni salad, chips and dessert bar.
Tuesday: Pasty, gravy, cucumber salad and pineapple.
Wednesday: Barbecue chicken, potato wedges, calico beans and Twinkie banana dessert.
Thursday: Shepherd's pie, cottage cheese, biscuit and cookie.
Norway Center
Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski.
906-563-8716
Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week --
Monday: Lasagna, broccoli and breadstick.
Tuesday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans.
Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice and stir fry vegetables.
Thursday: Roast beef over bread, mashed potatoes and gravy and stewed tomatoes.
All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.
Center activity schedule:
Mondays and Thursdays -- Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.
Monday through Thursday -- Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 563-5587 for information.
Tuesdays -- Quilting and sewing.
Wednesdays -- Ceramics and crocheting.
Last Monday of each month -- Book club at 9 a.m.
Second Thursday of each month -- Birthdays and bingo.
Sagola Center
906-542-3273
Now open for dine-in eating -- call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Shrimp scampi, noodles, corn and pears.
Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, white rice, stir fry vegetables and mixed fruit.
Thursday: Corned beef, potato wedges, peas and peaches.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.