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.
“The Sacred Journey reminds us that the history of this place is inseparable from the lives of the people who were enslaved here, As we honor their lives and remember their stories, we also affirm our responsibility to build a community grounded in dignity, justice and respect for every person.”
- President Rhonda Phillips
Friday, November 6, 2026
Honoring The Commemorative
Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland
4:45 p.m.
- Choral Program by the St. Mary’s Singers
- Remarks by Professor Garrey Dennie
- Remarks by St. Mary’s College of Maryland President Rhonda Phillips
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.
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 Rhonda Phillips
- With Peter Friesen, Director of Education at Historic St. Mary’s City
Text-Based Walking Directions
The Procession of Dignity begins at the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland near Mattapany Road. The route continues through campus along College Drive, turns toward Margaret Brent Way, and follows the walking paths past St. John's Pond toward Trinity Church Road. The procession concludes at the waterfront along the St. Mary's River, at the James P. Muldoon River Center.
Waterfront Ceremony
5:35 P.M. – College Waterfront
(ceremony concludes approximately 6:15 p.m.)
- Choral Performance by St. Peter Claver Church Men’s Choir with the Casual Groove Band, directed by Roy Johnson ’88
- Remarks by Garrey Dennie, President Phillips
- Reading of Names of the Enslaved by SMCM students
- Libation Ceremony led by Gwen Bankins, president of the Board of Trustees of Historic Sotterley
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.
The String Queens
Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center
Saturday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.
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).
Sacred Journey Steering Committee
- Garrey Dennie, Chair of the Sacred Journey Committee, AADS Coordinator, Department of History
- Marcy McKinney, Office of Auxiliary Services
- Kelsey Bush 94’, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement
- Jeffrey Coleman, Department of English
- Julie King, Department of Anthropology
- Lee Capristo, Office of Communications and Marketing
- Renea Morris, Office of Communications and Marketing
- Rebecca “Kim” Brown, Office of Events and Conferences
- Peggy Aud, Office of Events and Conferences
- Michelle Carter, Office of Belonging and Signature Scholars Department
- George MacLeod, Department of International Languages and Cultures
