Sybil Taunton’s Post

Maybe two years ago while sitting at a rooftop in North Hills, a close friend with a different skintone than me looked around, and whispered in my ear, “North Hills is getting pretty dark, isn’t it?” I was confused. “Yeah the sun is going down, I guess it’s getting late.” He motioned with his eyes, and I realized maybe 50% of the classy rooftop guests had similar skintones to my own. I laughed it off, but it was the first insight I got into how (some) white people, being 60% of the nation’s population, oftentimes don’t feel comfortable in spaces with patrons of darker complexions. In 1865, people in Texas heard the news for the first time that they no longer had to be shackled. Today, Texas has the largest black population, but only at 14% compared to the 12% national average. During slavery, men, women, and children were chained, beaten, starved, and suffered horrible assaults and living conditions. They worked every day under the imprisonment of other families. The average slaved lived to only 21 years old, while the average white person lived twice as long to 40+ years old. Slaverly still continued illegally for a while after 1865. It was not that long ago. Slavery didn’t really end hundreds of years ago. It continued mentally. It is still relevant to how black and brown people whose ancestors were enslaved go about navigating this country. This affects our health, education, standard of living, job search, home-buying and overall income earning potential. There’s also the quiet and insidious bias others may have towards black men and women they don’t even recognize. If you observe this holiday, take inventory of your circle. How often do you interact with and celebrate black and brown men and women for their accomplishments? Do you acknowledge how challenging overcoming slavery must be, even today? Do you make an effort to learn more about cultures different than your own? Do you get uncomfortable if a black person drives a nice car, is at a nice restaurant, or moves into your neighborhood? Do you recognize that if a black American has achieved a high level of success, it may have been much harder to achieve based on our countries recent history of slavery? Today, assess your bias. Learn about your family’s history and the history of your friends. Maybe ask them how you can be a better friend surrounding the topic of race. Ignoring that these things are real and vastly affected Americans is hugely problematic- we must do better as a society and unified country. Black and brown people are resilient, forgiving, loving, intelligent, capable, innovative, and deserving of safe spaces to work, live, grow our families, and thrive! I hope that as time goes on, the small number of 14% of black people in this country grows, as we shed the limiting beliefs historically forced on us, and pursue better resources, education, and jobs.

Today we commemorate a significant moment in American history: when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This lag in implementation underscores the inherent challenges in the struggle for liberty, making Juneteenth not just a day of celebration but also a reminder of the tireless pursuit of equality and justice. As we celebrate African American resilience and culture, we reflect on the ongoing fight for racial equity and the importance of combating systemic racism. #Juneteenth #ColliersREMSUS

Commemorating Juneteenth: A Pivotal Moment in American History Today, we recognize and honor Juneteenth, a day of immense historical significance. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare the end of the Civil War and announce the emancipation of all enslaved people. This pivotal event occurred two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The delay stemmed from the fact that the Emancipation Proclamation could not be enforced in areas still under Confederate control. It wasn't until Union forces gained control of Texas that freedom was granted to the last remaining enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, signifies the true end of slavery in the United States. It is a day for reflection, celebration, and a recommitment to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Happy Juneteenth to all! Let us celebrate freedom and progress while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #EndOfSlavery #AmericanHistory #CelebrateFreedom

Juneteenth is a day of great importance in American history as it marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of slavery, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. It is crucial to educate ourselves and others about the significance of Juneteenth and continue to honor and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our society. Let's take this opportunity to reflect, learn, and stand in solidarity. Juneteenth EmancipationDay BlackHistoryMatters EducationIsKey Remember, knowledge is power. How will you commemorate Juneteenth this year? #TravelWorldSafaris

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, recognizes the right to freedom of enslaved people and those who weren't freed on January 1, 1863—when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery. Juneteenth is a play on words between June and nineteenth. In a great injustice, 250,000 people in Texas were enslaved for two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger entered Galveston, Texas. He announced that enslaved people were free and that the Civil War was over. We celebrate Juneteenth and its song for freedom and justice! We call to dismantle institutionalized racism and its imposed barriers to the health and well-being of Black, Afro-Latino, and other people of color. We celebrate the contributions of African Americans toward equity, dignity, and health for all of our communities. Read this article to learn more about Juneteenth https://bit.ly/3VyF19q

Today is Juneteenth, also known as African American Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, which marks the day in 1865 when the U.S. Army declared over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas free.   On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing millions of enslaved people in Confederate-controlled areas. In Texas, slavery persisted since there was a lack of large-scale fighting and therefore no Union troop presence. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, when thousands of Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, announcing that enslaved people in the state were free by executive decree.   On February 3, 2023, Governor Walz signed into law legislation establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday. “Juneteenth is an important opportunity for communities across the state and nation to celebrate freedom, recognize the history and contributions of Black Americans, and recommit to building a more just and equitable society for everyone,” said the Governor. “Creating Juneteenth as a state holiday is a long overdue celebration of independence.” Learn more about Juneteenth: https://lnkd.in/gqvPZFF

On this #Juneteenth, we commemorate the end of slavery in the US. We honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history. Today serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom, justice, and equality for all. #Juneteenth2024

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing the news of freedom to enslaved African Americans—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and celebration. It is a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community and an opportunity to recognize the progress made and the work still to be done in the pursuit of equality and justice. Let us: - Educate Ourselves: Learn more about the history of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to our society. - Reflect: Acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom and civil rights. - Celebrate: Join in community events, support Black-owned businesses, and share stories of hope and resilience. Happy Juneteenth! Let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a future of true equality and freedom for all. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #History

On Juneteenth, we honor the profound legacy of resilience and liberation. This day marks not just the end of slavery, but the enduring spirit of hope and determination in the face of injustice. As we celebrate freedom, let us commit to building a future rooted in equality, understanding, and respect for all.  Read more about the Juneteenth History in this article by The New York Times: https://lnkd.in/dQP3RmM #Juneteenth #Emancipation #ContinuingTheJourney 

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 is Juneteenth and 𝒘𝒉𝒚 should we care? Juneteenth, marking the official end of slavery in the United States in 1865, is a holiday that many Americans have recently learned about. Despite misconceptions, it's not a new "woke" holiday but a significant day in our nation's history. Dating back to 1866, Juneteenth has been celebrated as a "Day of Freedom" in Texas, mainly by Black Americans. However, it's crucial for all Americans to commemorate this day as it symbolizes a fundamental shift towards liberty for all, not just Black history. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers enforced President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, liberating the final enslaved individuals in Texas. This momentous event, occurring years after the Confederate South's surrender, highlights the delayed spread of news in the absence of modern communication technologies. It took over two years from the Emancipation Proclamation for slavery to be completely abolished nationwide. Juneteenth stands as a testament to the enduring struggle for freedom and equality in America. It represents a pivotal step in our collective journey towards upholding the principles of liberty and justice for all. Let's recognize this historic milestone and embrace the significance of Juneteenth in our shared history. #Juneteenth #Freedom #HistoryLessons #Libertyandjustice4all