Write a commentOver two hundred people gathered at the Equal Rights Heritage Center for a peaceful and rousing rally on Friday evening, led by the local organization, Indivisible Cayuga.
This second rally of the year focused on the theme of Let Freedom Ring.
Joining with rallies across the nation celebrating No Kings Day on June 14th, Indivisible Cayuga chose the evening of June 13 to emphasize solidarity with Auburn’s Juneteenth celebration on Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates when the Emancipation Proclamation (passed January 1, 1863) was read in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 informing the last Americans to hear of their freedom. The event also celebrated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army and Flag Day on June 14th.
Brian Teucke, a resident of Auburn and veteran of the U.S. Army who served a 12 month tour of duty, spoke about the role of the military in the United States in protecting and defending democracy, not promoting autocracy. “When bad actors are in office, our service members do not get the chance to serve their country… They are forced to serve the forces of fascism, hate, authoritarianism, the one percent, and others who exploit and harm those in our communities”.
Bruce MacBain, a retired Middle School principal and High School history teacher, cited the importance of civics as a part of teaching history in High School. “I was proud to teach citizenship”, Bruce said. “I taught about our Constitution, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and that our Founding Fathers established a country where everyone follows the rule of law.”
Tia Gilliam, founder of Auburn’s Juneteenth Celebration, noted the importance of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration and invited the crowd to join her on June 14th at City Hall to celebrate with a parade and activities at Booker T. Washington commemorating that historic event. Recounting the over two years that it took for the last enslaved people to be informed of their freedom, she said “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Local musicians Ron Van Nostrand, Dan Cleveland, Bob Lyna, Marjorie Witty, Don Watkins, and Linda Webster played several songs and led the crowd in singing This Land is Your Land.
Deanna Stanford Walz, a descendant of Harriet Tubman, reminded people of Harriet’s remarkable courage and impact on our country, including not just her success in bringing people out of slavery but also her service to the nation as a military commander during the Civil War. Harriet’s story is especially honored here in Auburn, Harriet’s chosen hometown. A statue of Harriet Tubman graces the plaza of the Equal Rights Heritage Center where the rally took place.
The event ended with the crowd reciting the Oath of Office which is taken by federal workers, members of every presidential administration, and members of the military when they enlist. That oath begins, “ I solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic….”
Throughout the event, participants rang bells and waved flags to signal their patriotism and their opposition to autocracy.
