By GAGE WILSON
For GlasgowNews1
At 84 years old, Rev. Edward McDowell Jr. offered children at the Barren County Family YMCA’s Juneteenth celebration on Friday a rare perspective on American history: his grandmother had been born into slavery.
Speaking to a group of children seated on the gym floor, McDowell shared memories of growing up during segregation and witnessing firsthand the racial barriers that shaped much of his early life. Recalling visits to the movie theater as a child, he described how Black patrons were not permitted to sit with white moviegoers.
“I couldn’t go up front and sit in the floor,” he said, gesturing toward the children seated before him. “I had to sit in the balcony.”
The remark brought into sharp focus one of the event’s central messages: the struggle for freedom and equality is not ancient history, but living memory.
Organizer Shalika Smith constructed an educational board for children and attendees to read, outlining the history of Juneteenth as well as some of the adversity the Black community continues to face. (Photo by Gage Wilson for GlasgowNews1)
Organized by YMCA membership coordinator Shalika Smith, the free event brought together local pastors, community members and families for a morning of reflection, education and discussion. Educational displays near the entrance highlighted the history of Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
McDowell recalled being unable to attend the University of Kentucky, located less than 12 blocks from his home, because of racist practices upheld by the school’s basketball coach at the time. Instead, he attended Kentucky State University on a sports scholarship. (Photo by Gage Wilson for GlasgowNews1)
McDowell, who is also an author, framed his own story as one of perseverance. In his book, Bricks of Grace, he chronicles his life and faith journey. Explaining the title, McDowell said, “Because I wanted the title to let everyone know about how much God has blessed me.”
He encouraged children to think of life as a ladder, with each rung representing growth and opportunity. Reflecting on his own journey, he said he began by working at the YMCA for about a year before climbing steadily upward, becoming a coach, then a teacher and ultimately a pastor.
His message was simple but resonant: keep climbing.
Jalisa Glover (left) shares a moment with an attendee during Friday’s Juneteenth celebration. (Photo by Gage Wilson for GlasgowNews1)
Among those addressing the crowd was Jalisa Glover, who had originally been invited by Smith to perform a song. Instead, Glover chose to speak, centering her remarks on the work of Opal Lee, often referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Glover explained how Lee spent years advocating for national recognition of the holiday, walking symbolic miles each year to raise awareness and push for federal recognition.
Glover emphasized that although Juneteenth has been observed in Black communities since 1865, it was not officially recognized as a federal holiday until 2021, more than 150 years later.
“Juneteenth is not just about freedom, but delayed freedom,” Glover said. “This holy, historic moment lived in the hearts of people before this nation ever officially acknowledged it.”
Throughout the hourlong program, children listened attentively, asked questions and engaged directly with speakers. The event balanced serious reflection with a welcoming sense of community, as families gathered for conversation, refreshments and fellowship.
For the children listening Friday, Juneteenth became more than a date on the calendar. It became a story told by people close enough to history to make its lessons impossible to ignore.
