We all know what July 4 means to this country, but did you know about our nation’s other day of independence?
On June 19, 1865, institutionalized slavery of Black Americans was ended in Texas, the last state where it remained in practice, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That date is now known as Juneteenth. It’s often called America’s second Independence Day and considered the longest-running holiday for the Black community.
“Even though (the freed slaves) were confronted with the challenges of racism and oppression from the very moment that freedom was announced, they still decided, ‘we need to buy land, because we need a space to celebrate this freedom.’ As soon as that very following year you see the emergence of Emancipation parks all throughout the country. … We chose this moment to savor, to see where we’ve come from, to chart where we were going to go, and to relish the strength of our families and communities.” —Kelly E. Navies, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Although observed in many communities and states for more than 150 years, Juneteenth finally earned federal holiday status in the year 2021. It’s an important day for all Americans to commemorate. It’s crucial that we both celebrate the freedom Juneteenth represents and acknowledge the struggle that Black Americans and other people of color still face today.
United Way of South Central Michigan honors Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom and a call to action to confront racism and discrimination in all forms:
We work on behalf of all people, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, social-economic status, or physical, mental or developmental disabilities.
We’re determined to make sure every program, partner, and investment addresses our community’s needs in an equitable way.
We recognize the significant, ongoing harm caused by systemic racism and historical inequities in our communities. We’re committed to changing that by listening, learning and changing to build a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture; and by becoming a stronger, more effective advocate and partner in dismantling inequitable systems.
For more information on Juneteenth and its importance, read more from the National Museum of African American History & Culture from The Smithsonian at nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth.
*Note: In honor of Juneteenth, United Way of South Central Michigan offices will be closed on the federal observance date—Wednesday, June 19. We encourage that you find your own special way to observe the holiday, whether it be by community celebration, reading a book, listening to a podcast, and/or researching online.*