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The Sacred Journey: The Beloved Community

About the Journey

The Sacred Journey is usually held on the first Friday of November and celebrates the dedication of the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland. We honor the legacy of the enslaved, giving presence to absence, through three distinct elements: Honoring the Commemorative, the Procession of Dignity, and the Waterfront Ceremony.

Popularized by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Beloved Community symbolizes our vision for the future, in which racism and bigotry are replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of community.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Honoring The Commemorative

Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland
4:45 p.m.

  • Remarks by St. Mary’s College of Maryland President Rhonda Phillips
  • Remarks by Professor Garrey Dennie
  • Choral Program by the St. Mary’s Singers

Parking Information: Lot T is closest to the Commemorative. Golf cart shuttles will be available for those unable to participate in the Procession of Dignity to the College Waterfront. Campus Map.

For the comfort of all guests and decorum, non-service animal pets are not permitted at the Sacred Journey.

The Procession Of Dignity

Processional walk from the Commemorative to the College Waterfront, led by President Phillips. Student musicians provide accompaniment along the route, while signs pose contemplative questions and guides provide important historical context.

A crowd gathers on grass near a reflective, modern structure shaped like a house, with people performing music under a clear sky and bright sun.

Waterfront Ceremony

College Waterfront
(ceremony concludes approximately 6:15 p.m.)

  • Choral Program
  • Remarks by Garrey Dennie, President Phillips
  • Reading of Names of the Enslaved by SMCM students
  • Candle Lighting
  • Libation Ceremony

Parking: For those only interested in attending the Waterfront Ceremony, parking is available in Lots E and F. Golf cart shuttles will be available back to Lot T parking. Campus Map.

Immediately after the waterfront ceremony, enjoy a reception at the Waterfront.

A group of people hold candles at a gathering by a marina at sunset, with sailboats and a calm lake in the background.

The String Queens

Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center
Saturday, Nov. 15 7 p.m. (tickets required)

Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres.

Parking: Parking is available in Lots H (accessible parking), S and T (avoid parking in sections of Lot S marked for student parking).  Campus Map.

Three women pose with string instruments: one sits with a cello, while the other two stand holding violins, all dressed in colorful formal outfits against a plain background.

Sacred Journey Steering Committee

  • Garrey Dennie, Chair, Department of History
  • Peggy Aud, Office of Events & Conferences
  • Rebecca Brown, Office of Events & Conferences
  • Kelsey Bush, Office of Community Outreach & Engagement
  • Lee Capristo, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communications
  • Jeffrey Coleman, Department of English
  • Julie King, Department of Anthropology
  • George MacLeod, Department of International Languages & Cultures, French
  • Marcy McKinney, Office of Events & Conferences
  • Bill Roberts, Department of Anthropology
  • Chuck Steenburgh, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communications
  • Rafael Zapata, Office of Inclusive Diversity, Equity, Access & Accountability

Inaugural Sacred Journey (2021)

Learn about the archaeological findings that led to the Commemorative and what College anthropologists discovered during their survey. Read the Story »