June 19, 2022 (Orlando) – This weekend has been full of celebrations for many people throughout Central Florida in recognition of two national holidays: Father’s Day and Juneteenth Day, which President Joe Biden signed into federal law on June 17, 2021.

It’s been a beautiful weekend with family tributes to fathers trending on social media and to top it off, CNN tonight is broadcasting a special: Juneteenth: A Global Celebration For Freedom. Fast forward: When Earth, Wind and Fire band members performed their hit song “September” somebody in my household begin to move in his seat and sing…hee hee. Me: “SANG HONEY! and Happy Father’s Day again! You are amazing father who continues to be there for your now adult children. God bless you!”

May God bless all dads out there protecting and providing for their families! I acknowledge my father, resting in peace, John L Martin and all of the men in my family and extended family, who are fathers and mentors. I know often fathers are overlooked on their holiday: You can barely find decent Father’s Day greeting cards to choose from, etc. So today, we give fathers here with us, their flowers while they live and can enjoy them with their families and honoring the legacy of those who have passed away.

Tom Joyner, legendary radio personality and media business mogul, used to broadcast a segment called Real Fathers, Real Men to honor great fathers and men throughout the country.

In like manner, OCN is sharing some special tributes from our Facebook timeline as a tribute to fathers, real men everywhere. This is not all of them – just some that were posted early on Sunday morning. Excellent job mothers, wives, children and grandchildren!

Patrice Deleveaux Knowles wrote about her husband, in part: “Thank you for being a bright light to your adult children in so many ways. Your daily words of wisdom continue to inspire them. May God bless and keep you may his favor rest upon you. We love you dearly.

Angie Cowan posted this about her grandfather: “They say a girl’s 1st love is her daddy. For me, it was my Granddaddy. He was always there from the start and any time I needed him until God called him home. Happy Heavenly Father’s Day Granddad and miss you! Happy Father’s Day to all the real fathers!”

Dana Thomas wrote of her dad, “Shout out to my first love & my forever bank account. I love you dada.” That’s hilarious because she’s a young adult who’s out on her own and a Supermodel in my book!

“Wms M Lynette” wrote tributes throughout the day of many of the men in her life who are fathers. For her Uncle Rose: “You loved us and always supported us in every endeavor. You married us and I’m sure we’ve made you proud. You were at my college graduation cheering as loud as anyone, I miss those times but I’m glad I have so many fond memories of you. I’ll love you forever.” She and her family celebrate her husband Ron, year round. This time, in part, she wrote: “To the world you are just a man. They see you as just another creation. To us, you are the BEST hubby, father, grandfather on this side of Heaven. You are our provider, supporter and protector. We appreciate you for your constant love. Today we celebrate you. We give God glory for creating you just for US. We love you to the moon and back! Malachi 4:6: “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”

Yu’Vette Young wrote of her husband, Calvin, “Happy Father’s Day to my one! Enjoy your day love!

Carralyce Buford wrote this of her dad: “You’re absolutely everything a daughter could ask for in a father. Happy Father’s Day Daddy.”

Around town, especially in the north Orlando area, many restaurants, especially those that serve breakfast and brunch, were packed out – some with wait times of an hour of more, most likely because of Father’s Day. The patrons seen waiting appeared to be mostly families with young children and couples.

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, in Eatonville, celebrated fathers the entire weekend. On Saturday, the church hosted it’s annual Pre-Father’s Day Breakfast which featured a hearty menu, quartet singing along with a guest speaker, Minister Julice Miller. The pastor made a special presentation and announced the church’s Influential Father – Gerald Robinson. On Sunday, Pastor Barnes took the time to acknowledge all fathers by having them stand up and praying for them and all fathers. He later preached from the sermon topic, “The Influence of a Father.” It was a very encouraging message about the role and responsibility of the father in the family.

Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19 is our country’s newest holiday. The holiday marks the notification on June 19, 1865 to slaves in Galveston, Texas, that they were free. Texas became the first state to establish a Juneteenth holiday in 1980 (CNN). The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, freeing African slaves in confederate states but the more than 250,000 African slaves in Texas were not notified.

This year, throughout Central Florida, people of all ages, races and backgrounds, gathered to commemorate the holiday. More than 1,000 people gathered on Friday, June 17, for a Juneteenth Freedom March and Block Party in downtown Orlando, according to local reports. There were also other Juneteenth celebrations in Seminole, Lake, Volusia and Osceola counties.

After all that we’ve been through and face as a county, from police brutality against Black people, political upheaval (especially regarding gun violence and mass shootings) and attempts to suppress people’s right to vote, it is past time to celebrate and continue the fight for freedom! Because at the end of the day, we all were created equal, by God Almighty!

We all are a part of the Human Race and the Bible tells us to love God and love our neighbor (each other) as ourselves. Amen!

-Trish Marshall, Founder & Editor, OCN

Email: orlandocommunitynews@gmail.com