June 3rd 2024.
The Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Montgomery County, Maryland is eagerly preparing for an unforgettable Juneteenth holiday. This historic Black church, which has been a pillar in the community since its establishment in 1924, recently received a generous donation of $1 million from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. The church had faced significant challenges in recent years, including flood damage in 2019, but this new contribution from the Marriott Family is a major step towards revitalizing the beloved institution.
According to a report from WTOP, David Marriott, chairman of the well-known hotel chain, and his wife learned about the church's struggles while living in nearby Bethesda. Moved by the history and significance of the church, the Marriotts were determined to make a meaningful contribution to support its rebuilding efforts. They announced their generous donation to members of the church during a visit to the site.
During the event, Marriott shared, "The other trustees and I are thrilled to support this effort and to be a small part of your rebuilding effort." His words were captured and shared by Moco360 Media. The church, which is the last remaining historic building in the traditionally Black Scotland neighborhood of the DMV region, has set a goal of $10 million for their "2nd Century Project." With the Marriott Family's contribution, they have now raised over $8 million towards this goal.
In a press release, Rev. Dr. Evalina Huggins, the pastor of the church, expressed her gratitude, stating, "This is a major investment in our community, not just for Scotland AME Zion Church, but for Montgomery County and this country as well." She went on to thank the Marriott family and Foundation on behalf of the local congregation and the AME Zion Church worldwide.
Interestingly, the connection between the Scotland community and the Marriotts runs deeper than originally thought. The press release revealed that the Marriotts' family landscaper was a resident of the area, and their grandfather had advocated for housing support from Congress on behalf of the community in the 1960s. This generous donation is just one of the many ways in which the Marriott family has shown their commitment to supporting and uplifting communities in need.
As the Juneteenth celebrations approach, community members are looking forward to honoring and celebrating the Marriott family's gift. The festivities, which begin on June 15, will culminate in the holiday on June 19. The church has set a goal to resume services in December if they are successful in meeting the milestones of their three-phase plan.
In related news, the city of New Orleans is also gearing up for a grand Juneteenth celebration, complete with a culinary feast. The holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, is an important time to reflect on the past and celebrate the progress that has been made. With the support of generous donors like the Marriott family, we can continue to make strides towards a more just and equal society for all.
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