Saint Mary’s Hospital Dances for Freedom in Vibrant Juneteenth Celebration
July 3, 2025Categories: Events
The third annual Saint Mary’s Hospital Juneteenth celebration was in full swing Thursday, June 19. The celebration was one of many across Trinity Health honoring the federal holiday.
Saint Mary's Hospital Juneteenth planning team smile after event.
Cheryl Hilton, Regional Manager, Community Health & Wellbeing, Michelle Salgado, Community Health Worker and Monroe Hall, Community Health Worker help prepare Juneteenth celebration table ahead of the event.
Saint Mary's Hospital colleagues wear Juneteenth wristbands to honor the event.
The hospital’s cul-de-sac transformed into a vibrant gathering space filled with joy and unity. Music, poetry, and peach welcomed nearly 40 colleagues to celebrate. “It is a blessing to work with a diverse group of individuals who look beyond race and color and celebrate every person as God’s special gift to the world,” said Derri Hamilton, RN, MSN, Program Director of Behavioral Health.
Saint Mary’s added a unique twist towards celebrating 160 years of Juneteenth. Rather than walking to participate in the Strides for Freedom Ministry Walk, colleagues chose to dance to represent the jubilation of Juneteenth. Participants couldn’t resist moving when the trending line dance song ‘Boots on the Ground’ by artist 803Fresh began to play. “It was an energetic celebration of freedom, bringing in delights for all the senses thanks to the unique gifts and talents of each committee member. Together we are a formidable force,” said Amy Mickolite, Chaplain at Saint Mary’s. Attendees left with keepsake Juneteenth bracelets and a sweet serving of peach cobbler.
In the Springfield Market, colleagues at Johnson Memorial Hospital gathered in the lobby for a reflection before stepping off for a walk around the hospital. A small celebration was also held at Mercy Medical Center.
For the third year in a row, Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital welcomed a Juneteenth exhibit from The Amistad Center for Art & Culture at the Wadsworth Atheneum. The banners, which were on display in the Rotunda at Saint Francis and the main lobby at Mount Sinai, display stories of freedom in Connecticut.