By Marcia Wittmann, Racial Justice Ministry

Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, marking the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This Juneteenth, UUCWC’s Racial Justice Ministry (RJM) is sponsoring We Shall Not Be Moved: Songs & Speeches from the Civil Rights Movement, featuring dynamic baritone vocalist and concert entertainer Keith Spencer.

From the mournful call of the Negro spiritual to the cry of protest and purpose that truly signifies the African-American experience from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, We Shall Not Be Moved is an hour-long concert presentation focused on the music that captured the essence and call of the Civil Rights Movement. Keith weaves together popular songs associated with the Civil Rights cause with poignant readings from leaders, activists, and spokespersons of the time, evoking the struggle and promise of what was to come. You’ll hear Keith perform “Oh, Freedom!,” “People Get Ready,” “Go Down, Moses,” “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “A Change Is Gonna’ Come,” and many other celebrated songs.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the I AM TRENTON Community Foundation, which awards grants to grassroots projects led by Trentonians for Trentonians.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.) and will be followed by a reception with light refreshments in the Crossings Room.

Tickets are $20 Adult,  Children $10. To purchase tickets, visit uucwc.booktix.com. Depending on availability, tickets may also be sold at the venue.

Learn more about Keith Spencer.