On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island gathered at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City for the annual Juneteenth Jubilee, a celebration of faith, freedom, and future leadership. During the service, sixteen scholars were awarded $5,000 scholarships through the Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program, which supports descendants of enslaved people pursuing higher education and vocational training.
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island, presided at the event, and the reflection was delivered by The Rev. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones, priest for pastoral care and community at Trinity Wall Street in Manhattan. In a passionate and prophetic message, Dr. Bozzuti-Jones reminded the Church that “God made you to be free,” urging all people of faith to reject systems of oppression and to live lives rooted in justice, compassion, and love. He connected the legacy of Juneteenth, the prophetic witness of Bishop Barbara C. Harris, and the call to support young leaders in shaping a more just and liberated world.
2025 Barbara C. Harris Scholarship Award Winners
These scholars were selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to building a more just and compassionate society. The Reparations Committee, chaired by Penny Allen Grinage, led a thoughtful and thorough selection process that continues to shape the future of this vital program.
Event Photos
Photography by: Jennifer A. Uihlien, Girl in a Camera Productions