Scottish Rite for Children’s 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?

Our upcoming lecture will interpret the "First Emancipation," when thousands of people of African heritage secured freedom by the end of the 18th century. They would establish many of America's earliest free communities of color, which became the stomping grounds of free African American religious, educational, civic, and, most notably, political expression well before most African-heritage people obtained emancipation after the Civil War. https://lnkd.in/gJihnVfG

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

The rich history of Black women in American military history since the Revolutionary War is too extensive to be summarized, but in honor of Black History Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate some historical highlights: https://hubs.ly/Q02k4q_g0 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory

February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month. When Virginia's historic highway marker program was established in 1927, the focus was on the most visible parts of the Commonwealth's history such as properties and sites associated with presidents or military battles. Times have changed a lot since then, and we've gained a much broader and deeper understanding of history. Read more about why and how DHR's historic highway markers have been highlighting Black history in Virginia in recent years (via Cardinal News): https://lnkd.in/etfRZ4aV #VADHR #historicpreservationmatters #historicpreservation #BlackHistoryMonth #Virginia #virginiahistory #historicplaces #history

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has its origins in the aftermath of the American Civil War. This was a period marked by deep, lingering wounds and profound loss across the nation. Yet, even as the conflict ended, a tradition of remembrance and reverence began to emerge. Interestingly, the first organized recognition of fallen U.S. soldiers took place on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina. This solemn event was organized by Black Americans, who were resilient in their pursuit of justice and equality in the face of immense pain. This act of honoring the fallen speaks to the courage and honor that is ingrained in the fabric of Black history in America. As we observe Memorial Day today, let us take the time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit ourselves to building a better tomorrow. We must let the lessons of history guide us, while drawing strength from the spirit of unity and resilience that defines us as a nation. #MemorialDay2024

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.