Part of the PPMC’s work to support diversity, equity, and inclusion is personal and
team education. Our team is also committed to helping you learn. If you don’t already,
Juneteenth is something you should know about. Moreover, we encourage you to celebrate
it.
Most people learned in history class that President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation
Proclamation in 1863, abolishing slavery and making enslaved people free. While this
is something to celebrate, those enslaved were not instantly set free.
Juneteenth (a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth”) is the day that federal
troops came to Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 and made sure that enslaved people
in the area were set free. This was two-and-one-half years after Lincoln signed the
Emancipation Proclamation. Before Juneteenth, Texas was considered a “safe haven”
for slavery to continue to exist, as there was little Union military presence.
Slavery wasn’t abolished overnight this time either – many Black people remained enslaved
until harvest season was complete. However, there were many celebrations among freed
Black Americans, which started the Juneteenth tradition. In December 1865, the 13th Amendment was adopted, and slavery was formally abolished.
Juneteenth is now celebrated to honor a more accurate date to the end of slavery.
The holiday is considered the United States’ oldest national celebration of the end
of slavery.
In modern history, Juneteenth commemorates freedom and is a time for reflection and
rejoicing. Juneteenth is a time that everyone is “joining hands to truthfully acknowledge
a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.
Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant
and lasting improvements in our society” (Juneteenth.com).
This is why it’s important to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth in your community
or organization. When George Floyd was killed last year in Minneapolis, more people
have become aware of the biases in our society and therefore more aware of Juneteenth.
Many companies (like Twitter, Target, and Nike) have declared Juneteenth as a holiday
and 47 states also recognize the day as a holiday. Juneteenth is an official paid
holiday for state employees in Texas, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
What can you do to celebrate in your community?
Policymakers: declare Juneteenth a local holiday (or encourage your local policymakers to do so)
Leaders and business owners: make Juneteenth a holiday or celebration in your organization
