We celebrate Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is a day to reflect on the legacy of slavery in this country and to honor the resilience, strength, and perseverance of black people in America.
Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in our history, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved people of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. This delay in the Proclamation is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in this country.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to ensure that black Americans are truly free and equal. We must continue to fight against systemic racism and oppression in all forms, whether in our institutions, policies, or attitudes.
Juneteenth is a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of black Americans to our nation's history, culture and society. Let us honor those who have fought and continue to fight for justice and equality, and commit ourselves to working towards a more just and equitable future for all.
In solidarity,
Loren