06/19/2026
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
While the proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states, its impact depended on the Union's ability to enforce it. In places like Texas, where Confederate control remained strong, and the war had largely insulated the state from Union forces, many enslaved people did not learn of their freedom until federal troops arrived.
That moment became known as Juneteenth—a day that commemorates both the delayed arrival of freedom and the resilience of those who endured slavery while continuing to hope for a better future.
Today, Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, honor the generations who fought for progress, and reflect on the ongoing work of building a more just and equitable society. It reminds us that progress is not always immediate, but it is worth pursuing, protecting, and passing on to future generations.
Happy Juneteenth. 🖤❤️💚
