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The Significance of Juneteenth On June Nineteenth, we celebrate a pivotal moment in history—Juneteenth—when the chains of slavery were broken, marking the beginning of a new era of hope and unity for all, both former slaves and free citizens. The end of slavery did more than liberate those who were directly oppressed; it laid the foundation for universal freedom and justice. For the enslaved, it meant reclaiming their lives and dreams. For free citizens, it was a moral awakening to uphold the dignity and equality of every human being in the U.S. Yes, there is still much work to do and I'm not excluding other segments of the population that went on to be enslaved after this. This was a start. The end of African American slavery paved the way for civil rights movements, where people of all backgrounds fought for equality and justice. Women's suffrage, labor rights, and educational equality all draw strength from the spirit of liberation that Juneteenth represents. The economic and cultural contributions of African Americans began to flourish, enriching American society and fostering innovation and progress. Modern movements for social justice, such as criminal justice reform and the fight against systemic racism, continue the work started by those who celebrated the first Juneteenth, striving for a society where every person can thrive. And again, there is much work to do. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not just the absence of chains but the presence of opportunity and equality for all. It calls us to honor the sacrifices made and commit to a future where justice and liberty prevail for everyone. When we uplift each other, we all rise. Michael Raymond June 19, 2024

Understanding the Significance of Juneteenth As we observe Juneteenth, it’s important to reflect on its profound historical significance and the enduring impact it holds today. Juneteenth, a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” marks the date in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. A Brief History The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states were to be freed. However, enforcement of this executive order depended largely on the advancement of Union troops. In Texas, a remote state with few Union troops, the proclamation had minimal impact. It wasn’t until Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, and announced General Order No. 3, that the state’s 250,000 enslaved people learned of their freedom. The Path to Recognition Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, has been celebrated annually in various forms since 1866. The day has evolved from local festivities to a national conversation about freedom, equity, and justice. In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a state holiday. The movement for broader recognition continued, culminating in Juneteenth being declared a federal holiday in 2021. Reflection and Commitment Juneteenth is not just a commemoration of the past, but a call to action. It reminds us of the struggles endured and the progress made towards equality. It is a day for all Americans to reflect on the values of freedom and the ongoing fight against systemic racism. As we honor Juneteenth, let’s commit to fostering an inclusive and equitable society, recognizing that the journey towards true equality is ongoing. Together, we can build a future that embraces the lessons of history and works towards a just and unified community. #juneteenth #freedomforALL #HistoryLesson

Happy Juneteenth! Check out the article linked and quoted below. "As we celebrate Juneteenth, we look ahead to a future where the ideals of freedom and equality are fully realized. This day serves as a reminder of our collective history and the ongoing efforts needed to create a just and equitable society. It is a moment to honor the past, celebrate progress, and renew our commitment to the work that remains." https://lnkd.in/eRGCTAdG.

Today we celebrate Juneteenth and freedom for all Americans, yet recognizing how much work still needs to be done for true equality. Here’s an article from experts explaining the importance of Juneteenth. We encourage open dialogue and would love to hear why it’s important to you. https://lnkd.in/g9GmYbWQ

Today, ARC commemorates #Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American, and indeed global history. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Certainly this is an important day worth recognising, but as we do we remember that while this marked the end of enslavement, it did not reset the power imbalance that had been in place for centuries. It did not change societal values overnight. Of course there were pockets of more humane thinking, but as enslavement ended those given their freedom were not equitably treated to ensure standards of living and working were now ‘equal’, there was no financial compensation, nor land, property or even equal rights afforded to Black Americans even though they now they were ‘free’. Instead the end of enslavement was followed by the era of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised and ultimately killed Black Americans for decades. These laws perpetuated racism and injustice , and intentionally prevented progress toward true freedom and equality. It took more activism and liberation movements before key legislative acts such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 came to pass. These laws were crucial in dismantling legal segregation and ensuring voting rights for Black Americans. Being free was never given freely. Every step towards equality has been as the result of activism, hard fought for rights, by organised communities, often of predominantly Black people. We stand on the shoulders of giants. As we celebrate this day of liberation, it's essential to recognise that the journey toward true equality is still ongoing. Enslavement left a legacy of systemic racism that still persists today. This Juneteenth, the only way we can all truly honour the resilience of those who endured and fought against enslavement is by committing ourselves to anti-racism today and every day. #EveryDayIsJuneteenth Use this day to educate, reflect, and take action against racism, wherever you may see it. #AntiRacism

Celebrating Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom and Reflection 🎉✊🏾 Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks a historic moment: the end of slavery in the United States. This day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved people were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The Significance 🌟 Juneteenth symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. It reflects on the hardships endured by enslaved individuals and their crucial contributions to American society. How We Celebrate 🎈 Traditions include parades, picnics, family gatherings, and historical reenactments. Communities enjoy food, music, and educational events, fostering unity and shared history. Red foods and drinks, symbolizing resilience and joy, are a staple. Juneteenth in Recent Times 🇺🇸 In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, highlighting its significance and sparking broader conversations about racial equality and justice. Reflecting on Freedom and Equality ✨ Juneteenth is a reminder of progress made and the ongoing journey toward true equality. By honoring the past, we inspire future generations to continue striving for a just and inclusive society. Celebrate Juneteenth as a testament to freedom and a call to action for a better world.

Delaying justice IS injustice! Many of y'all are off work today for Juneteenth. Annddd, some of y'all might not even know what it's really about. So while you're relaxing, take a minute to understand this holiday. On June 19, 1865, freedom finally arrived for more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, known as Juneteenth, symbolizes the agonizing delay between the promise of freedom and its actual delivery. The lesson from Juneteenth is clear: delayed justice is injustice. As we commemorate today, we must confront the reality that too many people still don’t experience the racial equity they deserve. We can't afford to wait any longer. Fam, proclamations and promises ain’t enough. The two-year gap between the Emancipation Proclamation and the actual freedom for enslaved people in Texas stands as a stark reminder that it took two years after the arrival of Union troops to enforce what should have been the truth: that all men and women are created equal. This Juneteenth, let’s channel the spirit of those who never gave up hope, who pushed forward despite insurmountable odds. Let’s demand that racial equity is prioritized, not postponed. The time for action is now, not tomorrow, and certainly not two years from now. Let this Juneteenth be a moment of reflection and action. Together, let’s ensure that the next generation does not have to wait for the freedom and equality they deserve. It ain't just a Black thing; it's a celebration of humanity. The time for change is now. #Juneteenth #RacialEquityNow #NoMoreDelays #BeBetterThanYourBS

Today is #Juneteenth, or Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday in the United States. Celebrated annually on June 19th, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It's essential to remember that although this day marks a significant milestone, the reality of the time was complex and challenging. When General Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, there were still approximately 250,000 enslaved individuals who were not immediately freed. Many enslavers, resistant to relinquishing free labor, refused to release their slaves until forced to do so by government representatives. Some waited until the completion of one final harvest, while others outright refused to comply. It was a perilous time for Black people, with some formerly enslaved people facing violence and even death as they sought their freedom. As we observe Juneteenth, it's crucial to understand and reflect on the significance of this day. It's more than just a day off work; it's a moment to honor the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom and justice. The history behind Juneteenth is a reminder of the long and ongoing struggle for equality and human rights. Let us use this day to celebrate and educate ourselves and others about the true history and continued impact of this pivotal moment. By acknowledging the past and understanding the "why" behind Juneteenth, we can better appreciate the progress and recognize the work still ahead. Remembering the importance of Juneteenth should not be confined to one day. It is a part of our collective history that deserves recognition and respect daily. Let's honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and commit to continuing the fight for equality and justice for all. #Freedom #History #Equality #Justice

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, honoring freedom and resilience. Let's reflect on the significance of this day and continue working towards equality and justice for all. Together, we build a better future. 🖤❤️💚 #Juneteenth #Equality #HealthcareInnovation #TeamJTG 📜 The history: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger shared General Order No. 3, marking freedom for enslaved people in Texas — 2.5 years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had little effect due to the Civil War. 🌎 The recognition: Juneteenth — from "June" and "nineteenth" — has a historic legacy that’s long been celebrated in the African-American community. But it wasn’t until the summer of 2020, when protests flared over the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, that a fight to make June 19 a holiday was revived. On June 17, 2021, Congress passed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, and President Joe Biden signed it into law. Today, Juneteenth symbolizes a commitment to reckon with the past and work toward an inclusive future — with difficult conversations and the fight for equality and justice. Inspiration and Advocacy: 💻 Watch Amanda Gorman's inspiring poem: https://lnkd.in/gm7rXhu  ⚖️ Explore legislative changes led by the NAACP that promote equality. https://lnkd.in/gbB6UUzv

How Much Do You Really Know About Juneteenth? 🤔✨ Did you know that Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history, yet it remains one of the least understood holidays? Today, as we observe Juneteenth, let's delve deeper into its significance and why it's crucial for everyone—not just those it directly commemorates—to honor this day. Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It specifically marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Why the delay? Texas, remote and minimally affected by the war, had been slow to implement President Lincoln's orders. The observance of Juneteenth is not just a reflection on past atrocities but a celebration of culture, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward equality. It serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of racism and the continuous fight for civil rights, echoing today's movements against racial injustice and inequality. 🌟 What can we, especially those of us who are allies, do to genuinely support and engage with this significant day? Educate yourself, participate in local events, support Black-owned businesses, and take time to reflect on the changes you can champion in your community. Let's use Juneteenth as a stepping stone for ongoing dialogue and action. How will you engage with and celebrate Juneteenth this year? Share your thoughts and plans below. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #HistoryMatters #InclusionMatters #Allyship