Today we celebrate Juneteenth which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in Texas. Juneteenth is largely credited to the grassroots efforts of human rights activist and educator Opal Lee, a Texas native dedicated to education and human rights. While Juneteenth began in Texas, Ms. Lee believed it would unify the nation to celebrate the abolition of slavery. In 2016, at age 89, she walked 1,400 miles from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. to garner support from Congress to name Juneteenth a national holiday. “Opal’s Walk 2 DC” brought national attention to the petition supporting the holiday, and in 2021, her vision became a reality. Often referred to as the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” Ms. Lee was honored earlier this year with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her initiatives. Opal Lee’s determination, tenacity and boundless energy serve as a powerful reminder that freedom is worth fighting for and hope is our most powerful weapon. In celebration of Juneteenth, we acknowledge the progress that has been made as well as the need to continue building on those foundations.
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❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚 As we commemorate Juneteenth, it's essential to recognize this significant day in American history, marking the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom, but also a reflection on our ongoing journey towards equality and justice. Despite its importance, there are several misconceptions about Juneteenth. Let’s clear up some of these common misunderstandings: ☝🏽Misconception 1: Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. While Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas, it was not the official end of slavery in the entire United States. The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery nationwide, was ratified on December 6, 1865. ✌🏽Misconception 2: Juneteenth is only celebrated in Texas. Juneteenth originated in Texas, but it has grown into a nationwide celebration. Today, it is recognized as a holiday or special observance in many states, with various communities across the country honoring this day. 👌🏽Misconception 3: Juneteenth has been widely celebrated since 1865. While Juneteenth celebrations began in 1865, the day gained significant national recognition much later. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on Juneteenth, highlighting its importance and the need for broader education about its history. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s take this opportunity to educate ourselves and others about its historical significance and commit to continuing the work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. 👊🏾
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Many people wonder why those who don't live in Texas are celebrating Juneteenth. However, you don't have to be a resident of Texas to appreciate the significance of Juneteenth and what it represents. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. While it originated in Texas, marking the day when the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the state were finally freed, its message and importance extend far beyond the borders of a single state. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, equality, and the triumph of the human spirit over oppression. It is a day for all Americans to reflect on the painful history of slavery, acknowledge the ongoing struggle for racial justice, and commit to building a more equitable society. So while Juneteenth may have its roots in Texas, its relevance and impact are felt nationwide. People across the country can and should join in honoring this pivotal moment in American history and the values it represents. Celebrating Juneteenth is a way to show solidarity, educate ourselves about our shared past, and work towards a future of greater understanding and unity.
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What Juneteenth lessons still apply to our lives today?🤔 - - - - Juneteenth marks the day that word got to the remaining slaves and their owners in the United States that all people that had previously been enslaved were now free! The emancipation proclamation that granted this freedom was issued on January 1, 1863 whereas Juneteenth wasn’t until June 19th, 1865. That’s 2 and a half years of freedom that the final slaves did not get to experience, simply because they didn’t know. There were absolutely those who knew those slaves were free but simply didn’t inform them to use them to their advantage until the absolute final minute. There is a silver lining to this unfortunate history in that it gives us all lessons that we can live by today: 1. Oftentimes, people recognize opportunities (that are uniquely for you) long before you do. 2. Some individuals will cast a shadow over your greatness in order to benefit from it. 3. Just because you don’t recognize your power/excellence/greatness does not mean that you don’t possess it. 4. Don’t count on people to proactively tell you what you need to know; ask questions, research, and investigate. 5. Just because you don’t see it today does NOT mean that your ultimate success isn’t already in motion!
Today we celebrate Juneteenth, the day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Let's reflect on the progress we've made since and continue to strive for equality, justice and unity. Together we can create a brighter future for all. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay
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Juneteenth is often celebrated as the end of slavery in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in civil rights history. However, the reality is far more complex and less tidy than the celebratory narrative suggests. The myth that a single, great event can transform society instantly overlooks the persistent and multifaceted resistance that follows such milestones. Despite MG Granger's announcement on June 19, 1865, true freedom for many enslaved people was delayed by the determined defiance of enslavers who hid the news and continued their exploitation. This pattern of foot-dragging and active resistance illustrates a broader truth: civil rights advancements are rarely achieved in a single, definitive moment. Instead, they require continuous effort and vigilance against ongoing opposition. The immediate aftermath of Juneteenth saw many enslaved Black people in Texas kept in bondage under various pretexts, with enslavers using violence and deceit to maintain their control. It took more than a proclamation to enforce freedom; it required the Union Army to physically march across Texas to ensure compliance. Moreover, even after the formal end of slavery, systemic oppression persisted through mechanisms like the "exception clause" in the 13th Amendment, which allowed involuntary servitude as punishment for crimes. This loophole led to practices such as convict leasing and sharecropping, which continued to exploit Black labor under conditions similar to slavery. The story of Juneteenth reminds us that civil rights progress is an ongoing struggle rather than a series of discrete victories. The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a significant step in acknowledging the historical and cultural importance of this day, but it also calls for a deeper understanding of the continuous effort needed to achieve true equality. Celebrations should honor past achievements while also recognizing the enduring challenges and systemic barriers that remain. In civil rights history, the myth of the transformative event can obscure the reality of sustained struggle. Each milestone, such as the end of slavery marked by Juneteenth, is part of a longer journey fraught with resistance and setbacks. The ongoing battle for civil rights requires recognizing that progress involves not just commemorating singular events but also confronting and overcoming the continuous and evolving forms of resistance that follow. Honoring Juneteenth involves more than celebrating a historical moment; it demands a commitment to the ongoing fight against systemic racism and inequality. As we commemorate this significant day, we must also pledge to support efforts that address the remnants of oppression that persist today. True celebration of Juneteenth should inspire both recognition of past progress and a renewed dedication to the continuous struggle for justice, ensuring that the hard-won gains of history are not eroded by complacency or denial.
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Today, we join the nation in celebrating Juneteenth. This holiday commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in Texas in 1865, a pivotal day in American history representing freedom, equality, and justice. Test your Juneteenth knowledge with some trivia! Q: Who was the Union general who announced the freedom of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865? Q: What is another name for Juneteenth? Q: Which famous civil rights leader is known for their activism in making Juneteenth a state holiday in Texas? Q: Why are red foods traditional to Juneteenth celebrations? Q: What is the Juneteenth flag designed to represent? Put your answers in the comment section! We will reveal the correct answers later today!!!
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Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day of freedom, resilience, and reflection. As we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, let's continue to champion equality, empowerment, and justice for all. Together, we can build a brighter future. ✊🏾✨ \#Juneteenth \#FreedomDay \#EqualityForAll \#Empowerment \#Justice \#Resilience \#Community \#RichardPeoplesLLC \#TogetherWeRise \#BlackHistory \#CelebrateFreedom \#DigitalMarketingForAll
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Today is Juneteenth! This day marks the end of slavery in the U.S. and celebrates freedom, resilience, and progress. 🖤 What is Juneteenth?: Also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery. ❤️ Why It Matters: It's not just about looking back but also celebrating how far we’ve come in the fight for civil rights and equality. It’s a reminder of our ongoing journey and progress. As with all journeys, there is no endpoint. We must continue to fight and advocate for equality, equity, and inclusion. 💚 Learn and Grow: Take time today to learn about Juneteenth. Attend local events and celebrations, read about its history, and have meaningful conversations. Understanding our past helps us build a better future. 💛 Support the Community: Show your support for Black-owned businesses and organizations. Your support helps build stronger communities and promotes economic equity. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #Diversity #Inclusion #Equity #Freedom #Progress
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Celebrate Freedom: Happy Juneteenth! Today, we honor Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. At HTF, we honor this day as a reminder of our enduring commitment to freedom and justice. As we reflect on this significant milestone, we also recognize that the fight against slavery continues. Today, we are dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking, ensuring that freedom and dignity are upheld for all. Together, let's reflect on the past, recognize the progress made, and recommit to creating a future where freedom and equality are truly universal. Join us in commemorating Juneteenth by reaffirming our shared values of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for every individual. Together, we can build a future free from the bonds of modern slavery. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #CelebrateFreedom #SocialJustice #BlackHistory #EqualityForAll #EndModernSlavery #LibertyAndJusticeForAll #JuneteenthCelebration #FreedomHonored #LibertyAndJustice #HonorHistory
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Celebrating Juneteenth Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history, commemorating June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free. This announcement came a full two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had officially outlawed slavery in Confederate territories. The delay in the enforcement of the Proclamation highlights the deep-seated resistance to ending slavery and the complexities involved in applying federal laws across a fractured nation. The first celebration of Juneteenth was one of both profound joy and cautious optimism. The newly freed African Americans of Galveston rejoiced in the streets, their celebrations a powerful act of communal catharsis. However, this newfound freedom was tempered by the uncertainty of how true emancipation would unfold in the years to come. Despite the challenges they faced, including segregation, economic disparity, and the long struggle for civil rights, Juneteenth has remained a symbol of resilience and hope. It is a day to reflect on the bitter history of slavery, to celebrate the strides toward equality, and to renew the commitment to fighting against systemic injustices. This holiday serves not only as a reminder of past pain but also as an inspiration to strive for a brighter, more inclusive future. You can listen to this Daily Standup as well as many other AgileDad episodes of The Daily Standup where ever you listen to your favorite podcasts. #agiledad #juneteenth
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