I remember learning about Juneteenth when I was growing up in Rochester, New York. Together with my parents, my four sisters, a host of family members and friends, we would attend our local recreation center and community celebrations honoring the day and the history of our people. It always gave me a great sense of belonging and pride. Our neighborhood was largely African American, but recognition of Juneteenth across our city and our country was not yet widespread. Even so, I knew in my bones that commemorating the end of slavery was fundamental to our country’s history. And I’m grateful to my family for demonstrating the importance of this history, our freedom, and civil rights.
Today – June 19th – people from all over the U.S. will celebrate Juneteenth, which is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Emancipation Day. It marks the date in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas. This event came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863.
At Compass Group USA , we honor Juneteenth as more than just a holiday, we consider it to be a day of absolute reflection. We look at this day not as African American history, but as American history, just as my family does.
Knowing our history is critically important for working toward a more united future.
#Juneteenth #FreedomDay #dayofreflection #dei #compassgroup