Oregon Department of Justice’s Post

Freedom is a cornerstone of American values. We proudly celebrate America’s freedom from Great Britain on the Fourth of July. However, not all Americans attained freedom on that day in 1776. Even after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, more than two years would pass before Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce Lincoln’s Proclamation and enforce the end of slavery for everyone. Indeed a cause for celebration, the first Juneteenth took place on June 19, 1866, commemorating the anniversary of General Granger’s historic arrival. In the following years, celebrations expanded across the country and grew to include parades, cookouts, voting education, storytelling and more. Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980, with other states following suit until 2021 when the United States officially recognized June 19th as a national holiday. Even though its history goes back 150 years, learning how to celebrate it is still new to some. As a community, there are several things we can do to honor and celebrate Juneteenth. - Take time to learn about the history of this holiday and our American experience. Engage in meaningful conversations, read books, watch documentaries, and amplify the voices and stories of the Black community. - Discover and patronize local Black-owned businesses in your area. It's an excellent way to contribute to economic empowerment and foster community growth. - Participate in local Juneteenth celebrations, parades, cultural events, or virtual gatherings. Engage in activities that promote unity, resilience, and the heritage of African American culture. We are proud to honor the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a future where freedom, equality, and justice prevail. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay

From the Washington Post, an article entitled, “What to know about Juneteenth and its historical significance” @ https://lnkd.in/eiPXv_dn Here’s a snippet… Tomorrow, June 19th, the United States observes Juneteenth to commemorate the end of slavery, a painful chapter in the nation’s history whose legacy continues to reverberate. Juneteenth, a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth” has been celebrated for decades by Black communities as Emancipation Day, but the recent broader reckoning over racial injustices and deepening political polarization has thrust the day further into national and cultural prominence. Many states and cities plan festivities to mark Juneteenth, which is often celebrated with parades, street parties and cookouts. The day is a historic one for American history, civil rights activists say, and memorializing it reaffirms the country’s quest for equality. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 freed enslaved people in Confederate states, but it did not immediately end slavery in places such as Texas that remained under Confederate control. Two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, Union troops led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. Nationwide emancipation would come only with the ratification of the 13th Amendment later that year. For Black people, the news was a moment of “indescribable joy” that was met with large celebrations in Texas. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day and Black Independence Day, the day remains deeply significant for the community. June 19th became a kind of July 4th celebration for African Americans. Recognizing history is part of the process. We can’t make progress unless we have knowledge of where we are and where we have been.

This Juneteenth, let's embrace the deeper meaning behind the celebration, as highlighted in Charles Blow's insightful NYT article. Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it's an ongoing journey toward to realize freedom and equality for Black people. It’s a day to honor the past, recognize present struggles, and commit to a future of equity. For a profound perspective on the significance of Juneteenth, read Charles Blow's article linked below. https://lnkd.in/e6E4ss_a. #HappyJuneteenth #RoadToFreedom #EquityNow

Juneteenth is Freedom Day, a celebration of strength and recognition of our ongoing fight for equality. —- Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in the United States were freed, it was not implemented in places still under Confederate control. It wasn't until June 19th of 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and made an executive decree, that all enslaved black people in the state would be legally free. June 19th has been celebrated for generations as 'Freedom Day,' although it went largely unrecognized by most until recently. More and more US states have declared Juneteenth an official holiday, including Colorado in 2022. While black Americans continued to face systemic racism and discrimination even after their legal freedom, June 19th is an important reminder of the strength and courage of black communities throughout history. Source: The National Museum of African American History #juneteenth #freedomday

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a celebration of liberation and resilience. On June 19, 1865, Major General Granger enforced the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, marking the true end of slavery in the Confederacy.🎉 As a pediatrician, author, speaker, and youth advocate, I am who I am today because my ancestors were freed from the chains of slavery. Their fight for freedom unleashed the potential of generations to come. Slavery suppressed the talents and potential of Black Americans for far too long. Juneteenth reminds us of the resilience and strength of those who came before us. It’s a day to honor their struggle and triumph. We must remember that the fight for true equality and justice is ongoing. Reflecting on our history inspires us to strive for a more just, equitable, and compassionate world. Let's celebrate the progress we've made while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Together, we can build a future where everyone’s potential is realized. On this Juneteenth, I stand on the shoulders of giants and commit to carrying their legacy forward. How will you honor this day and contribute to equality and justice? Let's share, comment, and discuss how we can create a better future for all. 🌟

Happy #Juneteenth today! As #MLK said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and Juneteenth reminds us how justice does not move at the pace of our highest ideals. Juneteenth marks this day in 1865 when slaves in Texas were freed by Union soldiers, despite President Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclaimation act over 2.5 years earlier. These Texan slaves in 1863-1865 were free on paper, but not in practice. Frankly they likely had no idea, no hope of such a life after suffering for over a century, robbed from their homeland and brought to this country as property to white slave owners. Arguably freedom on paper for black people in the United States still did not come until June 9, 1868 when the 14th amendment established enforcing citizenship rights to all people born in the US. Today in 2024 United States the freedoms of black Americans are constantly at risk due to backtracking of these monumental laws through Supreme Court rulings in the Reformation period, Jim Crow Era policies, and the systematic injustice of racist policing, policy, and culture that has been highlighted in the Civil Rights movement and more recently the Black Lives Matter movement. We as Americans have all agreed-on paper at least- for over a century that #equalityandjusticeforall matters. From my experience as an #underrepresentedfounder and as a #LBGTQ #womaninSTEM, I reflect today on the significant value of freedom for my black compatriots as well as myself, both on paper and in cultural practices. With the privilege of the freedoms afforded to me as a white, educated, upper middle class able person, I lead my new business CArtLab Solutions following Angela Davis’ sage advice: "act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time." Tomorrow, back to trying to transform R&D radically by bringing equitable values! In the meantime, please reach out if you are on a similar mission ☮️⚖️

We commemorate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This day marks a pivotal moment in our history, symbolizing freedom and the fight for justice. However, as we honor this important milestone, we must recognize that the journey towards equality is far from over. Recently, we've seen Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives being sunsetted in many organizations. This shift comes at a time when we need to be doubling down on efforts to create inclusive and equitable workplaces and societies. Juneteenth is not just about celebrating freedom; it's a reminder of the ongoing struggle for true equality and the work that remains to be done. One stark indicator of the inequality that persists is the racial wealth gap. As of recent studies, the median net worth of white households is nearly ten times greater than that of Black households. Despite African Americans contributing significantly to the economy, with an estimated $1.6 trillion in buying power, systemic barriers hinder economic advancement. We must move beyond corporate platitudes and performative gestures. True acknowledgment of Juneteenth means committing to actionable change: -Implementing and sustaining robust DEI programs -Investing in Black-owned businesses - Creating pathways for equitable opportunities in education and employment - Addressing systemic biases that perpetuate economic disparities more than just observing or shifting the meaning of cultural days As we celebrate Juneteenth, let's pledge to push forward and upward. By championing equity and economic empowerment, we can ensure that the promise of freedom is fully realized for all. #Juneteenth #Equality #EconomicEmpowerment

This Juneteenth, I'm reflecting on the delayed arrival of freedom in Texas, a stark reminder of the complexities of emancipation. This compels us to examine the evolution of freedom – what it meant in the 19th century compared to its meaning today – and identify steps towards a more just future. By officially recognizing Juneteenth, we acknowledge the past and create an ongoing dialogue about freedom and equality within the American workforce. More than a historical marker, Juneteenth sheds light on the future of the Black community, highlighting both accountability and ingenuity. The date also embodies the resilience of the Black community. It offers a dedicated space to celebrate the freedom achieved and acknowledge the ongoing pursuit of true equality. Juneteenth is not just a historical event; it's a dynamic call to action. It urges us to constantly learn, reflect, and strive towards a more equitable future. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Freedom #DEI #Community #GivingBack

Today, System1 commemorates Juneteenth, marking a day of profound significance in American history. This day serves as a reminder of our ongoing journey towards equality and justice, celebrating freedom, resilience, and progress. Explore the history & enduring importance of #Juneteenth on HowStuffWorks https://lnkd.in/gwcffgwu

Juneteenth is a holiday that we shouldn't have to celebrate. It's a reminder of the day that enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. While I'm proud to celebrate the resilience and strength of my ancestors, it's disheartening that we still have so far to go in the fight for equality. The systemic racism that enslaved my ancestors still permeates our society today. We see it in the racial wealth gap, the disproportionate incarceration rates of Black Americans, and the persistent discrimination in housing, education, and employment. Juneteenth is a time for reflection and recommitment to the fight for justice. It's a time to acknowledge the pain and trauma of the past and celebrate the progress we've made. But let's not be fooled into thinking that our work is done. We still have a long way to go to achieve true equity in this country. Let's honor Juneteenth by continuing to fight for a more just and equitable future for all. #Juneteenth