06/19/2026
UNDERSTAND OUR WHY…Today, we celebrate Juneteenth—a day of freedom, remembrance, resilience, and hope.
While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, not all enslaved African Americans immediately received their freedom. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free. For many, it was the first time they learned that freedom had already been declared.
That is why Juneteenth holds such profound significance. It marks the day freedom finally reached those who had been left waiting and, in many cases, did not yet know they were free.
Juneteenth is our Independence Day—a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people who never stopped believing in liberty.
As we honor our ancestors and reflect on their sacrifices, let us also celebrate the progress made, recognize the work that remains, and continue Answering the Call to uplift our communities through service, education, and unity.
