Juneteenth:
A Long Road to Freedom
Honoring history, preserving stories, and connecting generations.
June 19, 2026
St. John's Episcopal Church, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
The Experience
On June 19, 2026, Juneteenth: A Long Road to Freedom brought together scholars, historians, genealogists, authors, musicians, and community members for a meaningful exploration of the history and enduring legacy of Juneteenth.
Held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor, the symposium provided an opportunity to reflect on the long journey toward freedom while emphasizing the importance of preserving Black history, family stories, genealogy, oral traditions, and cultural memory.
Through engaging presentations and thoughtful panel discussions, participants explored how understanding our shared history helps connect generations, deepen community awareness, and inspire continued learning.
The experience extended beyond the symposium with an optional guided cultural tour of historic communities of color along Long Island's North Shore Gold Coast, connecting the day's conversations to the people and places that shaped our local history.
Presented through the collaborative efforts of the Carll Hill Foundation, Whispering Spirit Cultural Tours, and Share Inform Enlighten, the program demonstrated the power of education, storytelling, and community engagement to honor the past and inform the future.
Moments From The Day
Artists & Community Partners
Featured Performers & Artists
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Dwayne Beach – Accomplished violinist, international entertainer, choreographer, and ballroom dancer whose musical and dance performance brought an artistic dimension to the Juneteenth celebration.
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Alicia Evans – Fiber artist, entertainer, historian, and folklorist who shared reflections connecting cultural expression, storytelling, and history.
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Janice Gilyard – Genealogist and historian who contributed insights into family history, historical research, and the importance of preserving ancestral stories.
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Phyllis Biffle Elmore – Author, genealogist, and speaker whose contributions highlighted the importance of genealogy, family narratives, and historical preservation.
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Dr. Denice Evans-Sheppard – Founder of the Carll Hill Foundation and Whispering Spirit Cultural Tours, LLC. She shared historical insights and led the guided cultural tour exploring significant African American history along Long Island's North Shore.
Panel Moderator
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Verdel Jones – Founder and CEO of Share Inform Enlighten, who moderated the panel discussion exploring Black history, genealogy, cultural memory, and the continuing significance of Juneteenth.
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Community Partners & Sponsors
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The Carll Hill Foundation – Event sponsor supporting historical education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
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Whispering Spirit Cultural Tours, LLC – Event sponsor and cultural tour provider, connecting participants with historic sites and stories of African American life on Long Island.
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Share Inform Enlighten (SIE) – Event sponsor and community partner advancing educational experiences, diverse perspectives, and meaningful dialogue.
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St. John's Episcopal Church, Cold Spring Harbor – Host venue providing a historic and welcoming setting for the Juneteenth symposium and community gathering.
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I LOVE NY – Featured the symposium through its Black Travel in New York State initiative.
A portion of event proceeds supported the Huntington African American Museum, helping advance the
preservation and sharing of African American history and cultural heritage on Long Island.
“Preserving history is more than remembering the past. It helps us understand who we are and shape what comes next.”