Celebrating Juneteenth
By: Kristen Albertson
50/50 Leadership joins the African American community in celebrating Juneteenth this year. Juneteenth is a time of celebration and commemoration for African Americans. Many African Americans honor this day with parades, parties, and other commemorative activities. Juneteenth is a reminder of the importance of freedom and justice for African Americans.
Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth holds a significant place in American history. June 19th marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers brought the message of freedom to enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas. This was over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The events on this day resulted in the emancipation of over 250,000 formerly enslaved African Americans in Texas.
Juneteenth is now celebrated as a remembrance of slavery in the United States and an acknowledgement that freedom remains inaccessible for many Americans today. While the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution outlawed slavery, the language in the amendment still allows slavery as a punishment for crime. Juneteenth is an important holiday that serves as a reminder that more needs to be done to create a more fair and equitable society. It is a day to celebrate the progress made and to recognize the need to continue fighting for the liberation of all people.
Juneteenth is also an opportunity to support African Americans. Show your support by attending Juneteenth celebrations, buying from Black-owned businesses, and donating to organizations that are helping the African American community. Taking the time to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and its significance is also a great way to show your support. To honor and celebrate Juneteenth, here are some organizations that you may consider donating to:
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
We at 50/50 Leadership recognize the significance of this day in the fight to end slavery and racial injustice. We stand in solidarity with African Americans and will continue to work toward creating a more equitable future. We recognize that this is only the beginning and that there is still much work to be done.
Resources:
National Museum of African American History and Culture – Juneteenth
Celebrating Juneteenth and Continuing to Work in Solidarity for Racial Justice, Equality, and Equity
