The SAFE Alliance’s Post

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, specifically in Texas, on June 19, 1865. This date marks the end of slavery in the United States, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is important to the Black race for several reasons: 1. Freedom: It represents the day when enslaved Africans in the United States were finally freed, marking a significant milestone in the fight for equality and justice. 2. Resilience: Juneteenth celebrates the strength and resilience of Black people who endured the brutal institution of slavery and continued to fight for their rights and freedom. 3. Culture: The day is also a celebration of Black culture, heritage, and traditions, including music, food, and art. 4. Unity: Juneteenth symbolizes the unity and solidarity of Black people in the United States, as well as their connection to their African roots. Overall, Juneteenth is a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States, and its significance extends beyond the Black community to all those who value freedom and human rights.

We are honored to share some words from our internal Cultural Competency Committee on behalf of Angela Estrada, Talent Development and Learning Specialist, and Johnita Dickerson, Registered Behavior Technician on this special day. "Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, perseverance, and strength. On September 22, 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was officially announced. It would go into effect just over three months later, on January 1st, 1863. This meant that states belonging to the confederacy would no longer be allowed to practice the enslavement of Africans. However, because the confederates were rebels who (unofficially) seceded their membership to the United States due to their economy being so reliant on the labor of enslaved Africans, they did not believe that they were held to the law of the Emancipation Proclamation and continued to practice slavery for the next two years. It was not until June 19th, 1865 (two years after the legal end of slavery in the U.S.) that the final enslaved Africans were freed in Texas. Juneteenth has been celebrated for over 100 years by Black Americans. The biggest celebrations were originally held in Galveston, Texas. It was originally called “Jubilee Day” to express joy and merriment. Only recently has Juneteenth gained more recognition among nonblack groups in the United States and was first observed as a federal holiday on June 19th, 2021. Today, we honor all Africans who were enslaved throughout the Americas, especially those who remained enslaved after the Emancipation proclamation." #ATS #AchievingTrueSelf #culturaldiversity #culturalcompetence #Juneteenth #celebrateblackhistory #LiftBlackVoices #freedom

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were now free – two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom, but a reminder of the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of the Black community. It is a day to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans and recognize the ongoing fight for equality and justice. As we celebrate, let's educate ourselves about the history and significance of Juneteenth, support Black-owned businesses, and continue to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society. Freedom is a continuous journey; together, we can make a difference.

Happy Juneteenth! As with other significant events in Black history in America there are conflicting emotions around this holiday. On one hand it is a celebration of Black liberation. Our family will get together, enjoy the festivities, enjoy each other and I might even stay out for the fireworks.  On the other hand as I am reflecting on this day in history, June 19th, 1865, two and a half YEARS after the Emancipation Proclamation, that we are incorrectly taught “freed the slaves,” that Black people in Galveston, TX actually got the news; there are feelings of sadness, outrage, and resolve to keep doing the work of anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. Union Army General Gordon Granger brought the news that slavery was over, had been over, along with the means of enforcement. As Frederick Douglas said “Power concedes nothing without demand...” Resist efforts to silence and change history to make people comfortable. Little progress is made in our comfort zones. The Emancipation Proclamation only applied to states that had seceded from the United States, leaving slavery untouched in the loyal border states. It also expressly exempted parts of the Confederacy (the Southern secessionist states) that had already come under Northern control. Most important, the freedom it promised depended upon Union (United States) military victory. What it did do was capture the hearts and imagination of millions of Americans and fundamentally transformed the character of the civil war. Juneteenth is a celebration of Black History, Freedom, and Culture. It represents hope for liberation, full freedom and equality for Black people.  Today as we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating this pivotal moment in American History, hopefully we will celebrate by educating ourselves, looking at ourselves, looking at the polices, laws, and ideas that continue as barriers to Freedom and ENGAGE in the work of anti-racism and allyship. #juneteenthcelebration #blackliberation #equity #antiracism #inclusion #culture #freedom #blackhistory #equality #juneteenth2024 #emancipationproclamation #allyship #inclusiveleaders

Understanding Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection and Celebration (Brief Overview) Juneteenth, also known as “June Nineteenth”, marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Despite the proclamation, it did not instantly free all enslaved people, especially in places like Texas where there was no significant presence of Union troops. The arrival of General Granger in Galveston signaled freedom for Texas’s 250,000 enslaved people, leading to celebrations among newly freed Black people and the birth of Juneteenth. In December 1865, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment. Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday and, on June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. It is a day to honor African-American history, culture, and progress. Celebrations often include festivals, parties, parades, and church services. As we approach Juneteenth, let’s take a moment to reflect on its significance and the journey towards freedom and equality. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work that still needs to be done.

Today, FEEA joins the nation in celebrating Juneteenth, a critical day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It's a powerful reminder of the fight for freedom and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history, the day when the promise of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas, the furthest corner of the Confederacy. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued two and a half years prior, the news took time to travel, particularly in the face of a collapsing rebellion. This long-awaited liberation stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for their own freedom, and a reminder of the ongoing journey towards true racial equality. "If the cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. Because the goal of America is freedom, abused and scorned tho’ we may be, our destiny is tied up with America’s destiny." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Juneteenth serves not only as a celebration, but also as a call to action. We must continue to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. At FEEA, we're committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, where every voice is heard and respected. We stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, feds, and community members in this pursuit. Want to learn more? Check out this article from the National Museum of African American History & Culture: https://s.si.edu/3NzT5LZ #Juneteenth #Equality #BlackHistoryMatters #TogetherWeRise

As we celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black and African Americans this month, I am reflecting on my recent visit to Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. The museum heartbreakingly connect dots from our history to today, and every word, image and story are so thoughtfully curated and immensely powerful. Mostly, I was blown away by the power of truth telling, offering a path to healing, repair and hope for moving forward justly. As an aspiring practitioner of systems change work, one truth I keep thinking about is the systematic and brutal separation of 4 million enslaved people from their children, spouses, siblings and families, and the generational and collective trauma caused as a result. It’s humbling to consider that once freed, these same individuals made the choice to believe in the promise of the United States and our democracy rather than revel in a sense of revenge that would have been justified. Among their first acts were to reunite with their families and affirm their surnames; affirming their humanity. This says so much and is a narrative that is under told. I didn't think it was possible to admire Bryan Stevenson more. We owe a lot to him and his dedicated colleagues at EJI for the work they do every day for the liberation of all of us through their efforts to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment and racial inequality. My takeaways, and actions, from this profound experience are: courage is necessary, hope is essential, doing uncomfortable and inconvenient things will be required. Love has to be the response. "The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, we are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do." James Baldwin, 1965 I hope everyone has the opportunity to visit this life-changing museum. https://lnkd.in/e-nukYzn #systemschange #americanhistory #truthtelling #equity #racialjustice #blackhistorymonth

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in the United States. Yet freedom isn't a singular event or something we simply cross off a to-do list—it's a continuous fight. A fight for justice. A fight for equality. A fight to eliminate deeply rooted, systemic racism. As history has repeatedly shown us, no one is free until we are all free. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that our liberation is intertwined, and we will only realize “a more perfect union” when we discard the hate, division, and animosity of yesterday so we can make room for the peace, justice, and healing our shared humanity deserves. Together, we can build a future when freedom rings true for everyone. It won’t be easy. There will be times when we feel like things aren’t improving, but step by step, we will move forward on our journey to a better, kinder, and more just tomorrow. #VLJNJ #Juneteenth #BlackLivesMatter #ProBono #CivilLegalAid #FreeLegalHelp #FreeLegalServices #NewJersey

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day serves as a reminder of the long and painful journey towards equality and justice for Black people in America. It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made, but also to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. As a society, we must continue to educate ourselves about the history of slavery and its lasting effects on Black communities. We must also actively work towards dismantling systemic racism and promoting equality for all. We must never forget the atrocities of the past, but we must also use them as a catalyst for change. Let us honor the significance of Juneteenth and strive towards a future where all people are truly free and equal. Happy Juneteenth to all. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #RacialJustice #BlackLivesMatter

🎉🌟 Celebrating Juneteenth 🌟🎉 Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day of great significance in American history, as we remember and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It's a day that symbolizes freedom, equality, and the ongoing journey toward justice for all. Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, marks the day when enslaved people in Texas received news of their emancipation on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. This delay in receiving the news serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and injustices faced by Black Americans during that time. Juneteenth is a reminder that the struggle for civil rights and equality is ongoing. By celebrating this day, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and equality, regardless of their race or background. Let us stand together in unity and solidarity as we celebrate Juneteenth and continue the march toward a more just and inclusive world.