YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Post

Visit the post below to read our 2024 blog post (with resources).

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history when the last enslaved African Americans were finally emancipated on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom but also a reflection on the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black communities throughout history. It is a time to educate ourselves, acknowledge the ongoing struggles for racial justice, and commit to creating a more equitable society. As we celebrate this significant day, let's remember that the fight for equality and justice continues. It is our collective responsibility to stand against racism, support diverse voices, and ensure that freedom and opportunity are accessible to everyone. Let’s use this day to learn, grow, and actively participate in building a future where everyone is truly free. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EqualityForAll #DiversityAndInclusion #HistoryMatters

This Juneteenth, The GroundTruth Project reflects on the lessons from the injustices in the past, the milestones achieved, and the continued work that needs to be done for racial equality in the U.S. for Black Americans. Learn more about the struggles for racial equality among local communities in the U.S. by exploring our On The Ground story map: https://lnkd.in/ekJ8aWhp

🌍 Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It serves as a powerful reminder of the long and difficult struggle for freedom and the ongoing fight for racial justice. Let's educate ourselves, amplify Black voices, and work towards a society where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and equality. ✊🏾 #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessSuccess #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #EffectiveCommunication #CommunicationSkills #StrategicCommunication #RevenueGrowth Visit our website: https://bit.ly/3PiRls4

Today, June 19th, marks Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. ✊ Let's honor the struggles and resilience of Black communities. We can also use this day to: -Educate ourselves: Learn more about Juneteenth history and the ongoing fight for racial equality. -Support Black-owned businesses: Celebrate Black excellence by patronizing local Black entrepreneurs! #SupportBlackBusinesses -Reflect and recommit: How can we work towards a more just and equitable future for everyone? #Juneteenth #BlackHistory

🔵As Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) observes Black History Month, we are reminded of the interconnected fight for racial justice, dignity, & anti-racism efforts across the Black and African Diaspora for the defense of Black collective territory, autonomy, and human rights in the U.S. + Latin America. 🚨Rooted in colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the legacy of marginalization persists, having a disproportionately adverse impact on the economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights of Afrodescendants in the region. Systemic racism puts certain communities at a disproportionate risk of abuse, especially at the hands of public authorities & illegal armed groups in conflict regions. Often cases involving Afrodescendants receive less attention & far less justice than those of other populations. Despite legal tools recognizing rights and increased political participation, meaningful change for the 120+ million Afrodescendants in the Americas is elusive. 🗣️International movements condemn pervasive racism, urging governments to take action. 💡Tools such as the Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality (JAPER) and the U.S.-Colombia Action Plan on Racial and Ethnic Equality (CAPREE) need better funding and implementation to serve as mechanisms to end structural racism.

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the long and ongoing journey toward justice and equality. Juneteenth is not just a day of remembrance but also a call to action. It urges us to reflect on the progress we've made and recognize the work still needed to achieve true equality and inclusion. It’s a time to honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history and today. On this Juneteenth, let’s unite in our commitment to building a more just and equitable society. Together, we can honor the past, acknowledge the present, and shape a future where freedom and equality are truly realized for all. #Juneteenth #Equality #Justice #DEI #BlackHistory #Inclusion #Reflection

Seeking professional psychological support after experiencing grief can be challenging for African American women, often due to cultural mistrust and the weight of historical oppression within the Black community. Overcoming these barriers is crucial for healing and resilience. Asking for support may initially feel intimidating, but it's a vital move forward. Initiating that first conversation can be empowering and marks the beginning of a journey towards restoration.

✨ Happy Juneteenth! ✨ Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that marks a pivotal moment in American history—the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, word of freedom finally reached the last enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom, but also a recognition of the resilience, contributions, and enduring spirit of Black Americans. It reminds us of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice for all. Let's take this day to: ~Reflect on the importance of freedom and equality. ~Educate ourselves and others about Black history and culture. ~Support Black-owned businesses and initiatives. ~Continue advocating for policies that promote racial justice and equity. May this day inspire us to build a more inclusive and equitable future. Happy Juneteenth! 🌟 #juneteenth #emancipation #blackhistory #equality #diversity #inclusion #holiday

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day of profound significance for Black Americans and a moment to reflect on the journey toward freedom and equality. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their liberation—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community. As a Black Canadian, I recognize the shared history and struggle against systemic racism that transcends borders. Juneteenth is not just an American holiday but a reminder of the global fight for justice and equity. Recognition of Juneteenth is vital, not only as a celebration of freedom but also as an acknowledgment of our ongoing challenges. Despite the progress made since June 19, 1865, we must be cautious and aware of the civil rights and anti-racism initiatives that are being rolled back. The fight for true equality and justice is far from over. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, essential for fostering inclusive environments, face significant challenges. This pushback underscores the need for continued vigilance and advocacy. A holiday and a designated month are not sufficient to rectify nearly 250 years of slavery and an additional 138 years of racial discrimination. The scars of this history run deep, affecting generations. However, honouring Juneteenth and acknowledging our collective past can inspire change and pave the way for a more just future. Let us use this day to recommit ourselves to dismantling systemic racism and promoting equity in all aspects of society. We must continue to advocate for policies that protect and uplift marginalized communities, ensuring that the progress we have fought so hard for is not eroded. Today, we celebrate freedom and resilience. We honour those who came before us and those who continue to fight for justice. Together, we can create a future where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.  #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #DEI #Equality #Justice #HopeForTheFuture