Kristen Nielsen Donnelly, PhD’s Post

Today we celebrate #Juneteenth. What is Juneteenth? Celebrated on June 19th, Juneteenth is an annual federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. On that date in 1865, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, marking an effective end to slavery in the U.S. Today, the moment is joyously celebrated with parades and floats, prayer and dancing, food, and family.] The History of the Holiday In Texas, Juneteenth has been an official holiday since 1979. In 2021, it was made a federal holiday. By 2019, 48 states including the District of Columbia recognized Juneteenth. By 2020, only Texas had adopted the holiday as a paid holiday for state employees. As of 2021, more states declared Juneteenth a paid holiday for state employees in Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Washington, and Virginia. Learn more from Teach For America here: https://lnkd.in/eyfmkdnp #OneDay #TeachForAmerica

Juneteenth is a recognized federal holiday in the United States, and a day of observance in California. Many federal offices and non-essential federal contractors will be closed for business, along with some Nonprofit community partners. California’s state offices will remain open and so will essential local government offices such as Social Services. Mendocino County’s Juneteenth Proclamation works as a symbol to prove the now national identity of a once looked over part of mainstream American history. Some may point to a general lack of diversity within the county as means to downplay the significance of this day, however, Juneteenth has the historical and cultural significance to be a nationally recognized holiday much like the Fourth of July. The first ever fourth of July was the “national affair” of 1777, a celebration marking the one-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The main celebration was held in Philadelphia but saw similar celebrations throughout all the states. At this time, there were a total of 13 states, meaning that it would be over 180 years before all 50 states would celebrate the Fourth of July together. Juneteenth, on the other hand, was only commissioned as a national holiday in 2021, meaning that all 50 states witnessed this ascendance and could all celebrate with pride as a nation. Aside from the national declaration, 28 out of 50 states observe or proclaim the Juneteenth holiday in some manner. Let us hope for the day we see a perfect 50 out of 50 on this matter. This year, Juneteenth will be observed on June 19, 2024, marking the 156th anniversary of the day when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, more than two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. #mendocinocountysocialservices #Juneteenth See insights and ads Boost Comment

Today is Juneteenth. It is also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day. Federal and Massachusetts employees have the day off. Banks are closed. There is no mail. Juneteenth only became a federal holiday in 2021. When President Biden signed the law making Juneteenth a federal holiday, he stated: "Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and a promise of a brighter morning to come. This is a day of profound — in my view — profound weight and profound power. A day in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take — what I’ve long called “America’s original sin.” At the same time, I also remember the extraordinary capacity to heal, and to hope, and to emerge from the most painful moments and a bitter, bitter version of ourselves, but to make a better version of ourselves." Do you know about the history of Juneteenth? “Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.” General Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Texas, which began with: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer." “The celebrations that followed the reading of the proclamation … began a tradition that has lasted for [more than] one hundred and fifty five years, and today is hosted in cities across America and beyond.” All states and D.C. recognize Juneteenth in some manner, but it is not a paid holiday in many states. What are you doing to commemorate this important day? #LauraHasItCovered

Juneteenth is a newer federal holiday commemorating the arrival of 2,000 Union troops to Galveston Bay, TX, declaring on June 19, 1865 that enslaved people were free. News of the executive decree ending slavery came to Texas—the last Confederate state reached by the Union army—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth.” In honor of Juneteenth, I want to share with leaders that achieving and/or advancing health equity is critical towards freedom in this country today. Not only for African Americans but for all people, freedom is still elusive. The journey to freedom continues, and we find strength and resilience by celebrating and finding joy along the way. From teaching emancipatory education to decolonizing philanthropy, enacting reparative economic policy, and cooking up recipes of liberation that light the way toward freedom for all. For Black leaders especially Black women, I encourage you to rest and do breathwork. Furthermore, read Rest is Resistance, The Enneagram for Black Liberation and The Hill We Climb as you prioritize your mental and emotional health, which I hope result in Black women and their communities thriving. Take deep breaths everyday especially during difficult or hard days. #Inhale #Exhale "Today I celebrate my freedom and the plight of those who paved the way. So that we could be here commemorating Juneteenth, now a national holiday". Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, or just Juneteenth, it’s a reminder to celebrate both the idea and the experience of freedom. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Celebration #Resilience

Juneteenth, also known as #FreedomDay, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom and the ongoing importance of inclusion and equality. We stand in solidarity with the Black community and are committed to continuous learning, understanding, and taking positive action. Learn more about #Juneteenth’s rich history, from its origins in 1865 to its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021: https://hubs.ly/Q02Cp1yL0

This Juneteenth, I’m thinking about all the progress that has been made around the world toward achieving health and racial equity. While we still have a long way to go, I am inspired by efforts that aim to address historical wrongs and work toward a better future. But in the U.S., we must do more. I’m looking to New Zealand, where the Māori people have fought for reparations and won more than $2B from the New Zealand government in settlements, and are already witnessing the mental and physical health benefits of this kind of restorative justice. At RWJF, we’re learning from their efforts to inform the conversation on Black reparations back here in the U.S. As we celebrate the historical legacy of Juneteenth, we need to continue to find new paths for advancing true equity to ensure everyone has a fair and just opportunity to thrive. Global learning can help us on this journey. #RacialEquity #Juneteenth #Reparations

Juneteenth is a newer federal holiday commemorating the arrival of 2,000 Union troops to Galveston Bay, TX, declaring on June 19, 1865 that enslaved people were free. News of the executive decree ending slavery came to Texas—the last Confederate state reached by the Union army—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth.” In honor of Juneteenth, I want to share with leaders that achieving and/or advancing health equity is critical towards freedom in this country today. Not only for African Americans but for all people, freedom is still elusive. The journey to freedom continues, and we find strength and resilience by celebrating and finding joy along the way. From teaching emancipatory education to decolonizing philanthropy, enacting reparative economic policy, and cooking up recipes of liberation that light the way toward freedom for all. For Black leaders especially Black women, I encourage you to rest and do breathwork. Furthermore, read Rest is Resistance, The Enneagram for Black Liberation and The Hill We Climb as you prioritize your mental and emotional health, which I hope result in Black women and their communities thriving. Take deep breaths everyday especially during difficult or hard days. #Inhale #Exhale "Today I celebrate my freedom and the plight of those who paved the way. So that we could be here commemorating Juneteenth, now a national holiday". Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, or just Juneteenth, it’s a reminder to celebrate both the idea and the experience of freedom. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Celebration #Resilience

Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history, prompts reflection on the legacy of slavery and the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past. This federally recognized holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were granted freedom. It serves as a significant opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of slavery and its enduring impact on modern society. In light of celebrating the end of slavery, it is crucial to also consider the significance of abolishing Confederate holidays that continue to perpetuate harmful narratives. By recognizing and reevaluating these holidays, we can take steps towards dismantling systems that uphold oppressive ideologies and promote inclusivity and unity. This Juneteenth, let us honor the resilience and strength of the African American community, while also recognizing the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths about our nation's history. May this holiday serve as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead towards a more equitable and just society. #Juneteenth #AfricanAmericanCommunity #AmericanHistory #HolidayWishes

Happy Juneteenth LinkedIn! I would encourage folks to keep a few points in mind with this holiday's relationship with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Juneteenth is a bitter sweet holiday in the minds and hearts of many Americans. It is not simply the holiday that ended slavery... In fact, Juneteenth marks the day that enslaved people in Texas were FINALLY notified that they were no longer legally in bondage. This news came 2 and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law. This matters. It was not legislation alone that stopped slavery. There was still the strong CULTURAL norm that needed to be overcome. Juneteenth marks the celebration of not just the legal, but the social, emotional, and mental overcoming of slavery in the United States of America. And just like slavery, the fight for DE&I cannot be siloed into the legal sphere. It will not be successful through that aspect alone. There is still so much social, emotional, and mental work to be done as well. Once again, Happy Juneteenth! #juneteenth #freedom #DEI

Today, 19 June, is #Juneteenth – a day to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. Officially recognized as “Juneteenth National Independence Day” as a federal holiday since 2021, and colloquially known as “Jubilee Day” and “Freedom Day.” It’s an important reminder for all of us that slavery did not end with the Emancipation Proclamation on 1 January 1863, but rather more than two years later, with the news reaching Black Americans in Galveston, Texas on June Nineteenth 1865 – hence, “Juneteenth.” 🌎 This day also reminds us that the long march and hard-fought struggles for social and environmental justice continue and is a call to action to redouble our efforts for creating a more just, equitable and sustainable future. ⚖️🌿 As North America's leaders affirmed last year at the North American Leaders Summit: “Our people share bonds of family and friendship and value – above all else – freedom, justice, human rights, equality, and democracy. This is the North American DNA.” Although the day is a US federal holiday, Juneteenth is also celebrated in Mexico and Canada. Every year, the Mascogos, descendants of Black Seminoles who escaped from slavery in 1852 and settled in Coahuila, Mexico, celebrate Juneteenth. https://lnkd.in/gZEFbK4W). Juneteenth particularly resonates in Canada because of the legacy of the “Underground Railroad,” which saw tens of thousands of enslaved African Americans cross into Canada to find freedom. The Underground Railroad remains an important national historic event in Canada, recognized by the Government of Canada. https://lnkd.in/gE_bvrZC Next week, our 3-day Council Session and JPAC Public Forum will focus on “Strengthening Environmental Justice through Community Empowerment” and create space for critical conversations on topics like anti-racism, intersectionality and equity as we all work to address historical wrongs. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gAHEDhDV Learn more about our work on #EnvironmentalJustice: 👉https://lnkd.in/gxA8Q8Mq