Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, in partnership with the Thermal Belt Friendship Council, held a highly successful Juneteenth Program on Saturday, June 17, far exceeding attendance expectations.
The program entitled “A Spiritual Journey” sold out the Tryon Fine Arts Center, with well over 270 in attendance on the main floor and the balconies opened to accommodate the overflow crowd. People of all ages and backgrounds gathered and enjoyed the afternoon of music and food.
The event featured an opening program by Irwin Reese, a tenor of the New York Metropolitan Opera. It included music, thoughts, and reflections on the life of those enslaved. Julia Bady accompanied Reese on piano. Joyful sound gospel music followed by The Tryon Unity and Church of the Living God choirs and with selections by Dr. Rev. Aloha Smith of Good Shepherd Church.
A well-attended reception ended the day. The reception featured traditional southern food served by Kirk’s Kitchen, a locally owned African American catering company.
The concert and reception were free to the public due to a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation that was awarded to bring unity to the people of Polk County.
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