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 1, 2024
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 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 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
- 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.
Brubeck Brothers Quartet w/ Camille Thurman
Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center
7 p.m. (tickets required)
These two jazz powerhouses will give a special performance following the ceremony. They have made considerable and dynamic contributions to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes through their music.
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.
Sacred Journey Steering Committee
- Garrey Dennie, Professor of History, Chair
- Peggy Aud, Director of Events and Conferences
- Kelsey Bush, Community Liaison
- Lee Capristo, Director of Writing & Content
- Jeffrey Coleman, Professor of English
- Carolyn Curry, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
- Kathy Grimes, Interim Executive Director, Events & Conferences
- Walter Hill, Professor of Political science and Chair, African and African Diaspora Studies
- Chuck Holden, Professor of History
- Julie King, Professor of Anthropology
- Bill Roberts, Professor of Anthropology
- Dereck Rovaris, Acting Associate Vice President of Inclusion and Belonging
- Chuck Steenburgh, Assistant Vice President of Integrated Marketing & Communications
