Cherissa Irvin’s Post

What is Juneteenth, and why is it important? - Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, marking a monumental step toward freedom for African Americans. This day, now known as Juneteenth, commemorates when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their liberation over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of emancipation but a powerful reminder of the African American community's resilience, strength, and enduring spirit. It's a day to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom and those who continue to fight for equality and justice. Juneteenth is a day of reflection, education, and celebration. Let's honor this historic day by committing to ongoing efforts toward equality and justice for all. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Equality #BlackHistory #DiversityAndInclusion #SocialJustice #CommunityEmpowerment https://lnkd.in/gTbNNVHV

👉🏾The Haitian Revolution brought an end to slavery and French colonial rule in Haiti in 1804. 👉🏾 In Saint Lucia and the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean, our enslaved ancestors were freed in 1834, a year after the official proclamation. 👉🏾 The formal end of slavery in the Spanish-speaking countries of South and Central America occurred during pivotal independence movements which began as early as the 1810s, with slavery ending in most of these countries by the 1850s. Slavery in Puerto Rico ended in 1873, and in Cuba in 1886. 👉🏾 After a 10-year transition period from the initial proclamation, enslaved persons in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles were freed in 1873. 👉🏾 In 1888, Brazil was the last country in the Americas where slavery came to an end. ---------- Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States which is an important part of this timeline. Occurring in 1865, this places the US as one of the last countries to end slavery in the Americas. This TedX animation was beautifully and intentionally crafted and gives a comprehensive overview of the end of slavery in the United States and the continued fight for racial equality for Black Americans to this day.

Juneteenth: To remember our country's past, to know how it affects our present, and to reflect on how we can do better... Here's a short video on the history of slavery, emancipation, and ongoing oppression and progress for African Americans in the United States: https://lnkd.in/g-Jp7USm

It’s important for our communities to recognize and celebrate the diverse histories and cultures that have contributed to our nation. And one day of profound historical significance and celebration is Juneteenth. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Juneteenth, why it’s important and why we celebrate it. LINK: https://lnkd.in/gGXHTRuj

Need a quick break, but still want to learn something? Click the link below to watch a 5min video on the history of IACAA member, Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials! #CommunityActionWorks

Imagine reading a long, intense novel. The main conflict is resolved towards the end, but you don’t reach the final chapter until much later. This last chapter contains crucial information that ties everything together, providing closure and a deeper understanding of the story. Without reading this chapter, you can't fully grasp the significance of the resolution. Similarly, while the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, that the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom. Juneteenth represents that final chapter—when the promise of emancipation truly reached all enslaved African Americans, providing closure and a fuller realization of freedom. Just as the final chapter of a book is essential for complete understanding, Juneteenth is crucial for acknowledging the true end of slavery in the United States. Watch the video and pass it along to someone who wants to be and do better. https://lnkd.in/eRBvTm3E

Today, we honor the stories that were silenced for too long. Generations of Indigenous children were taken, their voices muted, their futures stolen. This is not just a reflection of the past—it is a reckoning for all of us. Every single child, every precious life, mattered then, and they matter now. We must confront this dark history head-on, for there is no healing without truth. We must carry these stories with us to move forward, refusing to let them be forgotten. This day is more than remembrance—it is a call to action, 94 calls to action, to be exact. A call to honor those who were lost by committing to a future where every child, every culture, and every voice is respected and protected. We must rise together, with open hearts and minds, to build a nation where reconciliation is not just a word, but a way of life. Truth opens the door to reconciliation. Let’s walk through it, hand in hand. 🕊️ 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 - 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

It’s important for our communities to recognize and celebrate the diverse histories and cultures that have contributed to our nation. And one day of profound historical significance and celebration is Juneteenth. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Juneteenth, why it’s important and why we celebrate it. LINK: https://lnkd.in/gGXHTRuj