Kendall Qualls’ Post

#Juneteenth marks the second independence day in the United States — a time for celebration and reflection. Join us in commemorating the end of slavery in our country and honoring Black resilience. Learn more about the historical legacy of Juneteenth. 👉🏿 https://loom.ly/32VFxFM

As we reflect on the history of Memorial Day, it's essential to remember the profound impact of Black Americans in shaping this tradition. In 1996, historian David W. Blight unearthed a poignant piece of history in the archives of Howard University. He discovered that on May 1, 1865, freed Black slaves and white missionaries in Charleston, South Carolina, organized one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations. This event, held at a former Confederate racetrack where over 250 Union soldiers had died and were buried in unmarked graves, was a powerful act of honor and remembrance. Black Charlestonians reburied these fallen soldiers, built a fence around the graves, and named the site "Martyrs of the Race Course." On the day of the commemoration, nearly 10,000 people, mostly Black, gathered to sing, pray, and honor the Union soldiers who fought for their freedom. Blight, in his 2001 book *Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory*, highlights this event as a foundational moment for what would become Memorial Day. This history underscores the critical role that African Americans have played in the preservation and creation of American traditions. For Black federal government employees today, this legacy is a reminder of the enduring contributions of our ancestors to the nation's fabric. As we continue to serve our country in various capacities, let us draw inspiration from the resilience and dedication of those who came before us. They not only fought for freedom but also established traditions of remembrance that bind us together as a nation. In honoring their legacy, we honor ourselves and the ongoing commitment to justice and equality. This Memorial Day, let's remember the roots of this sacred day and the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to our national story. #MemorialDay #BlackHistory #FederalWorkforce #DavidWBlight #HonorAndRemember #LegacyOfService #blackofficeunlocked #stayunlocked

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Emancipation Proclamation, proclaiming the end of chattel slavery in the United States. In practice, however, slavery continued to be practiced throughout the Confederacy as the American Civil War waged on. Actual emancipation largely relied on the advance of the Union Army to enforce the proclamation. Over two years later, Union Army General Gordon Granger and his troops advanced on Texas, the last stronghold of institutional slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, General Granger issued General Order No. 3, informing the people of Texas that all slaves were to be immediately set free. The enforcement of this order officially marked the end of slavery in the United States, and this event is commemorated by the holiday Juneteenth. Today, 157 years later, we celebrate Juneteenth as a defining moment in American History. While it marks the end of slavery in the United States, Black Americans still face systemic discrimination, racism, and injustice in many aspects of daily life. Juneteenth reminds us of the urgent need for justice and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. JLD is proud to celebrate Juneteenth and to continue to promote these ideals in our practice. #Juneteenth #AmericanHistory #FreedomDay #BlackHistory #CelebrateFreedom #JusticeForAll #JLDProud #CommemorateJuneteenth #JLDCostConsulting

Today is Juneteenth, a day celebrating the end of a horrific period of American history that many people still have a difficult time reckoning with. "Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as 'Juneteenth,' by the newly freed people in Texas." "The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth": https://lnkd.in/ejd2puYH I have read various pieces on Juneteenth, including the Wikipedia entry, and they all include important insights and historical facts. Do you have a recommended article, podcast, or video on the topic?

4th of July is very significant in American history marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The United States officially became its own nation. Many USA citizens celebrate America’s birthday with festivals, parades, fireworks, barbecues and other festive activities. With the complexities of American history, and the current civic/political environments, traditions and celebrations may not everyone's experience. I want to share some thoughts to help in your own 🇺🇲 4th conversations and events. The Declaration of Independence states three key ideas that built America’s foundation, but there are three key ideas the document expresses: 1. All men are created equal and have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 2. It’s the government‘s responsibility to protect those rights. 3. The people have the right to defend these rights for themselves and their fellow Americans. These principles are worth celebrating. All are equal and have rights. You deserve protection. I love this time of year. I love CELEBRATING 🇺🇲 freedom, diversity, and America. The complexities of America deserve our complex conversations. And I love parades, people, patriotism and the principles we are celebrating 🇺🇲. #4thofjuly #declarationofindependence #usa #parades #history #godblessamerica #fireworks

Juneteenth honors the day that the end of slavery was announced in Galveston, TX by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1965. During the Civil War, many enslavers fled southern states to Texas with their captives to maintain the enslavement system. There weren't enough Union troops in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863), and Texas was the final state to release some 250k enslaved Black people two and a half years after the executive order was issued. The Juneteenth Flag was created by Ben Haith in 1977, and is full of symbolism: • The Star in the center has dual meaning. It represents the state of Texas, which was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. The star also represents freedom for African Americans in all 50 states. • The supernova/Starburst surrounding the single star represents a new beginning for African Americans, just as the supernova is the birth of a new star. • The arc in the middle of the flag represents a new horizon, full of the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for Black Americans. • The colors red white and blue serves as a reminder that the formerly enslaved and their descendants are just as American as anyone else - if not more so. The colors are a commitment to live up to the ideals of liberty and justice for all. "Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It's a celebration of progress. It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible - and there is still much work to do" - Barack Obama.

What is Juneteenth? How can you honor this holiday? What can you do in your community? Learn more below ↘️

July 4th is a day of national pride and celebration, reflecting on the historical significance and enduring values of the United States. 1. **Historical Importance**: It marks the formal separation of the colonies from Great Britain and the beginning of a new nation based on principles of freedom and democracy. 2. **Patriotic Celebrations**: Americans celebrate with various activities such as fireworks, parades, barbecues, concerts, and family gatherings, showcasing national pride and patriotism. 3. **Reflection of Values**: The day serves as a reminder of the country's founding principles, including liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

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