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Juneteenth has become the most well-known celebration for the ending of slavery in the United States. In fact, it is viewed by some as America’s second Independence Day. The history of this important celebration is complex and often misunderstood. #Juneteenth isn’t a straightforward story of emancipation, nor did it necessarily improve conditions in short order, or across the country. Freedom was not a straight line from the Emancipation Proclamation to Juneteenth to the Civil Rights movement. In fact, there's around 100 yrs between the Revolutionary War, Juneteenth, and MLK. Individuals had to fight for every piece of freedom they experienced and the struggle for justice that started long before the war did not end with emancipation. Today, we celebrate #freedom, #perseverance, and the value of people. May we each recogize where injustice exists and champion the oppressed.

Happy #Juneteenth! Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery and marks a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Juneteenth also highlights the fundamental connection between emancipation and labor rights. While slavery legally ended, many newly freed individuals faced economic exploitation and continued to struggle for fair wages and decent working conditions. The labor movement has historically fought for these rights, aligning with the broader quest for economic justice and equality.

 Today's significance lies not only in its historical context as the end of slavery but also in its relevance to the continuing fight for equality, labor rights, and social justice.

Some Truth About Juneteenth Many perceive the time between the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and Juneteenth as the gap between legal freedom and actual emancipation. However, it’s more accurate to consider the period from the surrender of the Confederacy on April 9, 1865, to June 19, 1865, when Union troops spread the news of freedom. This delay highlights that many slave owners, despite knowing the Confederacy had surrendered, kept this crucial information from those they enslaved for months.   Moreover, the Emancipation Proclamation only applied to Confederate states. Lincoln did not free slaves in Maryland, Delaware, Missouri, Kentucky, and West Virginia, Union states where he actually had the authority to do so. While Maryland, West Virginia, and Missouri ended slavery in early 1865, Delaware and Kentucky did not abolish slavery until well after Juneteenth. Laura Smalley’s story and voice are testaments to the resilience and enduring spirit of those who yearned for freedom. Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of delayed justice and the long journey toward true emancipation. It calls us to reflect on our history, recognize the systemic roots of oppression, and commit to the ongoing fight for equity and inclusion.   As we honor Juneteenth, let us acknowledge both the progress made and the work that remains. Let’s use this day to educate, inspire, and drive meaningful conversations that lead to enduring change.   Learn more about the historical context and the stories that have shaped our understanding of freedom in DEI in Context. Let’s engage, understand, and act together. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Emancipation #DEI #Inclusion #HistoryMatters #DEIinContext #IKnowHistoryMatters

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were free - over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in the long struggle for freedom and equality for African Americans. While the abolition of slavery was a major milestone, we know the journey towards racial justice is ongoing. On this day, we recommit ourselves to fighting racism, upholding human rights, and building a more equitable society for all. #rbwn #rocklandbwn #juneteenth2024 #equalityforall #racialjustice

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Learn more about this day of freedom at https://ow.ly/Pccu50S6SJo

We embrace celebrations of progress, even as we acknowledge that slavery still exists today in other forms (labor and sex trafficking). Juneteenth is one of those celebrations! Rather than try to explain Juneteenth for those who are unfamiliar, we'd like to give voice to Mary Elliott, Curator of American Slavery at the National Museum of African American History and Culture: "Juneteenth is a significant date in American history and the African American experience. The name is a play on the date of June 19th, 1865. On that day, the Union Army made its way into Galveston, TX, under the leadership of General Gordon Granger, and he announced to the people of Texas that all enslaved African Americans were free. "Even though we know that the Emancipation Proclamation freed African Americans in rebelling states (Texas being one of them, from as early as it when the Proclamation went into effect on January 1st, 1863), and we know that the Civil War had ended in April of 1865, it took a while for freedom to make its way to the western-most rebelling state. Although there were enslavers who were aware of the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation, it wasn’t until June 19th, 1865, that it was actually enforced with the Union Army. June 19th freed enslaved people in the rebelling states, it did not free enslaved people throughout the nation." You can read more at https://lnkd.in/gfss6-ku. Here at LifeWay, we remain committed to eradicating slavery in all its forms. You can learn more about our work at LifeWayNetwork.org. Happy Juneteenth! #juneteenth #moderndayslavery #endhumantrafficking #stophumantrafficking

What is Juneteenth? Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history marking the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved African Americans were free—a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes the resilience and struggle for freedom against all odds. Let's reflect on this history, honor the sacrifices made, and strive for a future where equality and justice prevail. #Juneteenth #Equality #CentricSolutions

Happy Juneteenth! On Juneteenth, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on the ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. As we observe Juneteenth, it is crucial to remember that until we are all free, no one is truly free. The pursuit of liberty and equality is a collective effort, and we must continue to stand together against all forms of oppression and discrimination. Today, let's celebrate progress, educate ourselves and others, and commit to a more inclusive and just society. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EqualityForAll

What is Juneteenth? Also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Celebrated on June 19th each year, this day commemorates when Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, announcing the end of slavery—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The celebration of Juneteenth began in Galveston, Texas in the 1860s. Today, it is honored throughout the United States. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act,” officially designating it a national holiday. At Day Pitney, we honor Juneteenth by reaffirming our commitment to justice, equality, and the promotion of diversity within our community and the legal profession. #Juneteenth #EmancipationDay #FreedomDay #Equality #Justice #Diversity

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is the oldest celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on and celebrate the courage and strength of African Americans who fought for freedom, bringing the nation closer to its ideals of equality and justice for all. To learn more about Juneteenth, please click the following link —> https://lnkd.in/g5FuJdpG #Juneteenth #FreedonDay #June19