On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, commemorating the end of slavery.
Today we celebrate Juneteenth with our Black brothers and sisters. Take some time today to reflect and have respectful conversations and dialogue centered around race and equality.
Support Black-owned businesses, listen to Black artists, read books written by Black poets and authors and support organizations seeking/supporting race and equality.
Historical Legacy of Juneteenth:
“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.”
Educate: Helpful resources on Juneteenth:
NY Times “So you want to learn about Juneteenth”
View online resources and celebration information at the National Museum of African American History and Culture website
Celebrations: Celebrate the day virtually or find event in your area:
19 Ways to celebrate Juneteenth as a family
New Mexico Juneteenth 2021: “To a Higher Ground”
Celebrate virtually with Eiteljorg Museum
Freedom Festival hosted by Juneteenth Foundation
