'Hate Will Not Win': Morristown Church Rector Accepts Pride Proclamation

MORRISTOWN, NJ — As Pride Month continues through the month of June, celebrating LGBTQ culture, rights and identity, Morristown officials delivered a proclamation officially marking the start of Pride Month in Morristown on Tuesday, June 13.

The proclamation was read by Mayor Tim Dougherty and presented to Rev. Cynthia Black, rector of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.

"Here in Morristown, hate will not win," Black said.

Last month, Morristown’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, an LGBTQ-affirming church, had its welcome sign vandalized less than 12 hours after Pride month flags were put on display.

Because the vandalism occurred so soon after the flag display was set up and because of the sign's message of inclusivity, as well as its proximity to the flags, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office decided to investigate the incident as a possible bias incident.

Authorities determined that the vandalism did not meet the criteria for a bias-based or hate crime because the evidence established only a desire to cause property damage.

• Read more: Church Sign Vandal Caught By Police In Morristown

The vandal turned himself in at the Morristown Police Department headquarters on May 30 and was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and released on a summons.

"The reality is, hate is real in our world and it does not appear to be going away. I'm grateful that the council and the leadership of the mayor would continue to uphold these kinds of principles. I know that without that kind of leadership… it's possible for hate to get a foothold," Black said.

Lance Mann, the pastor of Union Baptist Church, made similar remarks in response to the proclamation for Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1865.

Juneteenth, which was declared a federal holiday in 2021, is observed annually on June 19 and marks the end of slavery in the United States. It has become a day for Black Americans to celebrate not only their freedom but also their history, culture and achievements.

"I echo the words of the pastor of the Church of the Redeemer. It's good to be in a town that can celebrate diversity and that can recognize major accomplishments in the lives of its citizens. I also echo that this world is still full of hate and although we have come a long way since 1866, we still have a ways to go," Mann said.

On June 17, from 12 to 5 p.m., there will be a Juneteenth festival on the Morristown Green. The Morris County Juneteenth Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates the Black community's tenacity, unity, history and culture.

Throughout the day, live performances will be given by the Kofi and Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble, The Bradford Hays Quartet, Lynette Sheard Live, The Unity Steppers, local artists, and a tribute to famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who made a historic visit to Morristown in 1865.

Children will also enjoy crafts, free book giveaways, face painting, balloon animals, and other activities.

Morris County's Juneteenth Festival is part of the Morristown Juneteenth Weekend. Click here to see the schedule and sign up for the three days of culture and education. The events are all free.

"My prayer is that we will not allow anyone to pull any community backward into history, but we continue to move forward," Mann said.