06/19/2026
Today, we honor Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, many enslaved people in Confederate states remained unaware of their freedom. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free, that emancipation was finally enforced in the last Confederate state.
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. As we commemorate this important day in American history, we reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before us and recommit ourselves to building a more just and inclusive future for all.