06/19/2026
Happy Juneteenth!
The Ladies’ Union Association of Philadelphia embodied the resilience and community spirit that Juneteenth celebrates. Largely excluded from white women’s groups involved in relief efforts, the Ladies’ Union Association organized independently in 1863, providing aid to Black soldiers wounded in the Civil War.
This broadside is from their 1865 fair, held on Chestnut Street. Rather than bidding on auctioned items, attendees instead paid for the opportunity to vote. The votes, 25 cents apiece, decided which of four Union generals would receive the gift of a “splendid black silk velvet wrapper, cap, and slippers.” General Benjamin Butler ultimately won the most votes. The individual or organization who purchased the most votes received a life-size painting of General Grant by the celebrated artist J.R. Lambdin.
This voting system gave attendees the opportunity to participate in a unique form of civic engagement at a time when African Americans were still denied fundamental political rights. This broadside also serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that Black women played in advocating for their communities during and after the Civil War, highlighting the determination and achievement that this day celebrates.
How are you celebrating Juneteenth?
