From The Township Manager

Manager’s Message By Jeannine Fielding

This June, we come together to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and Lou Gehrig Day, recognizing the history, courage, and community spirit that connect us all.

Juneteenth – A Primer and Ways to Get Involved this June 19th

Juneteenth (Juneteenth National Independence Day) became a federal holiday in 2021 when the 117th U.S. Congress passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, and President Joe Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021. The holiday is observed on June 19th and is celebrated across the United States to honor African American freedom, culture and achievements. In particular, it commemorates the end of slavery on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger enforced the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

While this might mean that your place of employment and the federal government offices are closed, what does it mean in current times? When some people attend celebration events they often wear red and drink “Red Drink” or “Big Red Soda” in Texas and the South symbolizing the “resilience and bloodshed of enslaved ancestors,” according to Wikipedia.

Celebration of Freedom: There are a variety of celebrations around the country to celebrate the end of slavery. See HERE for what is happening in Bucks County to celebrate, including an exhibit at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown on June 19th at 84 A. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA.

Education and Reflection: Resources say that this holiday “prompts the nation to learn from its past, acknowledges the delayed realization of liberty, and reflects the ongoing struggles for racial equity.” Some sources say that “Juneteenth is not just a commemoration; it is a catalyst for continued progress for economic equality and fair representation requires constant vigilance and active participation.”

Reader’s Digest reminds us that while Independence Day is celebrated as the moment America gained its freedom, the “reality is that freedom didn’t reach everyone on July 4, 1776. Black Americans remained enslaved for another 82 years.”

Inspiring Quotes Celebrating Juneteenth

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela

“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” – Toni Morrison

“Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.” – Coretta Scott King

 

Lou Gehrig Day

Lou Gehrig was celebrated on June 2nd in Major League Baseball as this date marks June 2, 1925 when Gehrig became the New York Yankees’ starting first baseman – and continued for 2,130 consecutive games. He passed away in 1941 from complications with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of voluntary muscle control and movement.

During his lifetime, Gehrig raised awareness and funds for ALS research. MLB teams often wear special patches and 4 ALS wristbands to celebrate him.

According to Verywell Health, the life expectancy in 2026 of someone diagnosed with ALS is approximately two to five years after diagnosis. There is currently no cure for this disease, but treatments are available to help “slow the loss of physical function and improve the quality of life.”

Early symptoms can include: muscle stiffness or cramping, muscle spasms, and/or swallowing problems. Verywell Health goes on to say that people typically have trouble “lifting things or using their hands for tasks. Their balance and gait will change, with increased risks of trips and falls. Work, school, home and hobbies become a challenge.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, a small percentage of people inherit ALS from a parent. They say that ALS is most common from age 60 to the mid-80s and is more common in men than women before age 65. They further state that some evidence suggests that “exposure to lead or other substances in the workplace or at home might be linked to ALS.” Much study has been done, but “no single substance has been clearly linked to ALS,” they say.

The ALS Association says that the community (family, friends, houses of worship or clubs) can support those with ALS by becoming an advocate for the disease. Increased funding and access to treatment is an important part of the journey. Participate in local community events, such as fundraising walks, bike rides and the Annual Lou Gehrig Day celebration. You can also offer to spend an afternoon or evening with the individual so that primary family caregivers can take a break, run errands or rest. See more information at the ALS Association HERE.