About the Journey
The Sacred Journey is 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 3, 2023
Honoring The Commemorative
Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland
4:45 p.m.
- Remarks by St. Mary’s College of Maryland President Tuajuanda C. Jordan
- Remarks by Professors Garrey Dennie & Jeffrey Coleman
- Choral Program by PING, directed by Professor of Music Larry Vote
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 Jordan. Student musicians provide accompaniment along the route, while signs pose contemplative questions and guides provide important historical context.
Waterfront Ceremony
College Waterfront
(ceremony concludes approximately 6:15 p.m.)
- Choral Program
- Remarks by Garrey Dennie, President Jordan, Gwen Bankins (Historic Sotterley Descendants’ Project)
- 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.
Food trucks will be available, with a menu of local favorites and African-inspired selections, outside the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center after the ceremony.
Sweet Honey in the Rock
Special Performance by Grammy®-nominated artists Sweet Honey in the Rock
Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center
7 p.m. (tickets required)
This talented a capella vocal quartet will give a special performance following the ceremony. The ensemble educates, entertains and empowers its audience and community through the dynamic vehicles of a cappella singing and American Sign Language interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing.
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.
Food trucks will be available, with a menu of local favorites and African-inspired selections, outside the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center beginning at 6 p.m.
Sacred Journey Steering Committee
- Garrey Dennie, professor of history, chair
- Kelsey Bush, community liaison
- Lee Capristo, director of writing & content
- Jeffrey Coleman, professor of English
- Carolyn Curry, vice president for institutional advancement
- Clare Fisher, NEH public humanities fellow
-
Malaki Freeman ’24, student
- Liza Gijanto, associate professor of anthropology
- Walter Hill, professor of political science and chair, African and African Diaspora Studies
- Chuck Holden, professor of history
- Julie King, professor of anthropology
- Maya Pingho ’25, student
- Bill Roberts, professor of anthropology
- Dereck Rovaris, vice president for equity & strategic initiatives
- Chuck Steenburgh, assistant vice president of integrated marketing & communications
- Anaïs Williams ’25, student
