The American Legion’s Post

Today is Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people, more than two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth marks the end of a dark chapter in American history and the beginning of a long and continued journey toward freedom and equality. Juneteenth is a day for solemn reflection on the struggles and resilience of African Americans. It reminds us of the ongoing fight for justice and the need to confront and address the practices that cause inequalities that still exist today. I encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and ways of observing Juneteenth. Through education, reflection, and community engagement, let us remember and work towards a more just and equitable society. #Juneteenth #Reflection #Emancipation #HistoryMatters #DiversityAndInclusion

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This momentous day symbolizes liberation and celebrates African American resilience, marking a crucial step towards equality and justice. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of honoring our collective history. Today, it stands as a day of reflection, education, and community, fostering unity and hope for us to work together for a future of freedom and equality for all. #Juneteenth #VetCTAP

Our experiences and the people we meet continue to inform our thinking and strengthen our resolve in how we show up to serve everyone -- in respectful and supportive ways so we can continue to create positive outcomes that benefit all. Juneteenth holds a new level of awareness, understanding, and meaning for us. As we traveled earlier this year on our Discover America: Civil & Human Rights tour we personally took important steps to understand our collective history and how it better informs us in moving forward. We realized just how much we didn't know across many dimensions. We met incredible people who were part of the early days of the Civil Rights movement, people who participated in the youth marches, and others who are bringing new levels of awareness through education, dialogue and engagement. It is always so powerful to physically visit locations where key events took place. It was even more impactful hearing people's stories and first-hand experiences. These led to meaningful and heartfelt conversations, as well as new connections that will continue to inspire new thinking and positive actions going forward. #unitedstatescivilrightstrail #juneteenth #civilrights #humanrights #memphis #birmingham #montgomery #nashville #atlanta #selma #nationalcivilrightsmuseum #legacymuseum #selmatomontgomeryinterpretivecenter #nationalmemorialforpeaceandjustice #birminghamcivilrightsinstitute #nationalcenterforcivilandhumanrights #tuskeegee #whoweareproject

Our experiences and the people we meet continue to inform our thinking and strengthen our resolve in how we show up to serve everyone -- in respectful and supportive ways so we can continue to create positive outcomes that benefit all. Juneteenth holds a new level of awareness, understanding, and meaning for us. As we traveled earlier this year on our Discover America: Civil & Human Rights tour we personally took important steps to understand our collective history and how it better informs us in moving forward. We realized just how much we didn't know across many dimensions. We met incredible people who were part of the early days of the Civil Rights movement, people who participated in the youth marches, and others who are bringing new levels of awareness through education, dialogue and engagement. It is always so powerful to physically visit locations where key events took place. It was even more impactful hearing people's stories and first-hand experiences. These led to meaningful and heartfelt conversations, as well as new connections that will continue to inspire new thinking and positive actions going forward. #unitedstatescivilrightstrail #juneteenth #civilrights #humanrights #memphis #birmingham #montgomery #nashville #atlanta #selma #nationalcivilrightsmuseum #legacymuseum #selmatomontgomeryinterpretivecenter #nationalmemorialforpeaceandjustice #birminghamcivilrightsinstitute #nationalcenterforcivilandhumanrights #tuskeegee #whoweareproject

Honoring Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection and Celebration Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. At the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, we recognize Juneteenth as not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality and justice for all. Juneteenth represents the resilience and strength of African Americans, and it calls us to honor their rich culture and contributions. This Juneteenth, we encourage you to learn, reflect, and take action. Support local Black-owned businesses, participate in community events, and engage in meaningful conversations about history and equity as a way of supporting initiatives that promote education, economic development, and social justice. Let us honor the legacy of Juneteenth by committing to the principles of freedom, equality, and justice for every individual. Together, we can make a lasting impact. #Juneteenth #BCCA #CommunityAdvancement #Equity #Justice #CelebrateFreedom #BlackHistory

Our experiences and the people we meet continue to inform our thinking and strengthen our resolve in how we show up to serve everyone -- in respectful and supportive ways so we can continue to create positive outcomes that benefit all. Juneteenth holds a new level of awareness, understanding, and meaning for us. As we traveled earlier this year on our Discover America: Civil & Human Rights tour we personally took important steps to understand our collective history and how it better informs us in moving forward. We realized just how much we didn't know across many dimensions. We met incredible people who were part of the early days of the Civil Rights movement, people who participated in the youth marches, and others who are bringing new levels of awareness through education, dialogue and engagement. It is always so powerful to physically visit locations where key events took place. It was even more impactful hearing people's stories and first-hand experiences. These led to meaningful and heartfelt conversations, as well as new connections that will continue to inspire new thinking and positive actions going forward. #unitedstatescivilrightstrail #juneteenth #civilrights #humanrights #memphis #birmingham #montgomery #nashville #atlanta #selma #nationalcivilrightsmuseum #legacymuseum #selmatomontgomeryinterpretivecenter #nationalmemorialforpeaceandjustice #birminghamcivilrightsinstitute #nationalcenterforcivilandhumanrights #tuskeegee #whoweareproject

What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Canada has a rich and diverse culture, but beneath the surface lies a history that we must first acknowledge and then confront to move forward. This brings us to restoring Truth with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed every year on September 30. Three ways to make the day meaningful: 1. Educate yourself and others. Learn about the unique histories, cultures, and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples by reading books, watching documentaries, and participating in workshops.  2. Support Indigenous businesses and artists. Purchase products from Indigenous-owned businesses and support Indigenous artists.  3. Participate in community events. Many communities host events to commemorate this day —attend them. Learn more about the significance of Canada’s National Day for Reconciliation: https://lnkd.in/g7Surqp5

Reflection on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is just the beginning. If you are looking to deepen your understanding and continue learning, we encourage you to explore the article below. ⬇

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, empathy, and beauty. The arts also strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically. In Massachusetts, arts and culture is a $27.2 billion industry—4.2% of the state economy—and supports 135,181 jobs (bigger than construction, education, and transportation). The arts accelerate economic recovery: a growth in arts employment has a positive and causal effect on overall employment (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis). Springfield’s nonprofit arts industry alone generates $82.4 million in economic activity annually—spending by organizations and their audiences—which supports 1,483 jobs and generates $15.3 million in local, state, and federal government revenue (Americans for the Arts AEP6 study) Randy Cohen MASSCreative Mass Cultural Council Tiffany Allecia M.Ed.

Generational change starts small, and it starts with us! Policy change is vital, but it's often the mundane, innocuous actions, mindsets and conversations in our own communities that move the needle over generations - one way or another. Educators do this vital work for my and your kids every single day, and speaking to them as part of my role, I know that openly supporting these steps, however small, matters! Support where you can, with encouragement, questions and suggestions. The more we openly acknowledge that we care about justice at a personal level, the more likely things will shift.