Happy Juneteenth
Confidence Man by Derek Fordjour
Today is a day of liberty, a day of freedom, a day of justice for ALL. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, an important milestone for the end of slavery in the United States. On that date, Union General Gordon Granger led a group of 2,000 Union troops to announce to over 250,000 enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas that they were free, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln. In the U.S., Juneteenth became the newest federal holiday in 2021, marking a celebration of African-American freedom, liberty, and joy. On this special day, we’re honoring the resilience and strength of the Black community while acknowledging the continued fight for equality and justice for all.
Ways to Celebrate Freedom on Juneteenth and Beyond:
Support local Black-owned businesses in your local area.
Eat at a local Black-owned restaurant.
Donate to civil rights organizations such as Equal Justice Initiative, National Urban League, Color of Change, and NAACP.
Host a cookout including traditional foods: barbecue, collard greens, sweet potato pie, potato salad, red soda, hibiscus tea, and red velvet cake.
Visit a local art or African American history museum to participate in holiday activities and learn more about Black culture.
Visit a local library to find books, resources, and community events that honor Black culture and teach about the importance of freedom, liberty, and community.
Read up on the history of Juneteenth with books that enlighten including On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon Reed and What is Juneteenth? for young readers.
Attend and donate to a Black rodeo event in your local area. Black rodeos are a traditional holiday activity rich in history. Oftentimes, they aren’t represented in traditional rodeo culture.
Encourage DEI and cultural competence inside of your workplace. Review and implement certain policies that encourage an open and supportive environment for all employees regardless of background.
Make sure you’re registered to vote by checking your voter registration status at WhenWeAllVote.org.
