Elder Research’s Post

Today is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marking the day in 1865 that the last of enslaved people in America were notified of their freedom two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s also now recognised as a federal holiday following the passing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021. Freedom. Independence. Words we have historically associated with the 4th of July and the U.S. becoming independent from Great Britain without recognising or acknowledging that not all Americans were celebrating freedom at the same time. We must reflect on history, it’s impact, and how it continues to shape our thoughts and opinions about society and our place in it. Through relfection comes growth, and as an industry we still have a lot of growing to do.

Commemorating Juneteenth: A Pivotal Moment in American History Today, we recognize and honor Juneteenth, a day of immense historical significance. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare the end of the Civil War and announce the emancipation of all enslaved people. This pivotal event occurred two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The delay stemmed from the fact that the Emancipation Proclamation could not be enforced in areas still under Confederate control. It wasn't until Union forces gained control of Texas that freedom was granted to the last remaining enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, signifies the true end of slavery in the United States. It is a day for reflection, celebration, and a recommitment to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Happy Juneteenth to all! Let us celebrate freedom and progress while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #EndOfSlavery #AmericanHistory #CelebrateFreedom

Happy 4th of July Frederick Douglass' Speech (1852): Although delivered on July 5th, Frederick Douglass' famous speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" is closely associated with Independence Day. In this powerful address, Douglass highlighted the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom in a nation where slavery was still practiced. Tuskegee Institute Established (1881): On July 4, 1881, the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) was founded in Alabama by Booker T. Washington. The school became a leading educational institution for Black Americans, focusing on industrial and agricultural training. First African American U.S. Military Hospital (1864): On July 4, 1864, the first African American military hospital, the Contraband Hospital, was dedicated in Washington, D.C. It served Black soldiers and formerly enslaved people who had escaped to Union lines. Independence Day in Ghana (1960): On July 4, 1960, Ghana officially became a republic, with Kwame Nkrumah as its first president. This event marked a significant step in the decolonization of Africa. Hiram Revels' Birth (1827): Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in the United States Congress, was born on July 4, 1827. His election to the Senate in 1870 was a historic milestone during the Reconstruction era. First African American Military Unit (1776): On July 4, 1776, Lemuel Haynes, an African American soldier and later a prominent minister, was serving in the Continental Army. His participation, along with that of other Black soldiers, highlighted the contributions of African Americans to the fight for American independence. These events illustrate the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality faced by Black and BIPOC communities and the significant contributions that black, brown, and immigrant, and indigenous people of color have made and continue to make in history. Even as dei, African American history, and black history is under attack. So, if we are going to be silent about this then, we ought just be silent today then. These struggle are the hopes and the dreams of this day and every day. #4thofjuly #independenceday #letscelebrate #dontbesilent #silenceisdeadly #silenceissin

June 19, 1865 "Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation." "More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day." As a white person honoring Juneteenth, we must: - Unlearn all of the white supremacy lies. - Educate myself on Juneteenth, racism, slavery and Black history. - Relearn on these topics every single day. Admittedly, we didn't know about Juneteenth until it was made a federal holiday. That is not acceptable. Commit to educating yourself, not just on Juneteenth but EVERY DAY! See the comments for information on Juneteenth, anti-racism education and more. #juneteenth #june19 #freedomday #educate #unlearn #relearn #antiracism #Blackhistory

Celebrating #Juneteenth and the emancipation and contributions of African Americans to the building and fabric of the United States is so important at a time when other groups of Americans are actively seeking to remove specific parts of history, accomplishments and legacy from public education and other institutions (The Lost Cause 2.0)! America 🇺🇸would not be the country that is today without the contributions of African Americans and all other racial and ethnic groups to culture, religion, music, education, art, industry, science and technology, history, sports, healthcare, business, finance, government, and military service! #Juneteenth #AmericanHistory #BlackHistory #America

THE AMERICAN’S CREED “ I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.” –Written by William Tyler Page in 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918. So well said. I wish it could be recited each day by all elected officials, schoolchildren, and members of the military.🇺🇸 It is quoted in several of my resources, including my book, online course, and posters. Share it in the workplace and with family and friends. Let this be a starting point to great conversations about the history of our nation. 💡 May God heal and bless America. 🙏🇺🇸🙏 #prosperity101 #westandforfreedom #godblessamerica #godblesstheusa #freedom #liberty #employer #employers #constitution #workplace #politicsaffectsbusiness #politicsaffectsourdailylives US Christian Chamber of Commerce Red Balloon Marty Lotito

Today, we honor #Juneteenth, the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, TX, and announced freedom to the enslaved African Americans—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This historic day marks the end of chattel slavery in the U.S. and is a profound moment of liberation and resilience for the African American community. Juneteenth is a reminder of the delayed but inevitable justice and the unyielding spirit of those who endured and fought against the brutalities of slavery. It underscores the importance of acknowledging and understanding our history, as it shapes our present and future struggles and triumphs. Celebrating Juneteenth is not only about remembering the past but also about recognizing the ongoing fight for equality and justice. As we celebrate #APeoplesJourney, let's take the time to reflect on our history, honor the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, and continue the fight for equality and justice. #knowyourhistory #Trusttheprocess #staythecourse

Today is Juneteenth: a day to celebrate the hard-fought victories toward freedom, liberation, and equality while recognizing the challenges of the present. Today, GMHC stands in solidarity with our community in honoring Juneteenth--the day all Americans became free. A bit of history: the enduring legacy of Juneteenth honors the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. The Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4, 1776, and said “independence” from Great Britain became official seven years later—this date and this action have both been seared in memories, texts and the public record. Not all Americans experienced this freedom. African Americans held in slavery were not considered free until the end of the Civil War in 1865. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, slavery continued in Confederate states. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, it took two more years of Civil War for the end of slavery to be recognized in all Confederate states. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree. We call the anniversary of this date Juneteenth.

Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to finally enforce the liberation of enslaved people. Juneteenth, the longest-running African American holiday, is a time to celebrate freedom, resilience, and African American culture. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. It's a day of reflection, acknowledging the struggles of the past, and celebrating the vibrant culture and contributions of African Americans. How will you be celebrating Juneteenth today? Share your traditions or ways you're learning more about this important holiday in the comments! #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #FreedomDay #AfricanAmericanCulture #CelebrateFreedom #bethechangeHR #HR #humanresources #hrconsulting