06/20/2026
On this day, 161 years ago in 1865, Union soldiers arrived to Galveston, Texas to deliver long over-due news that all enslaved Black people were free. This news came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863. The 13th Amendment, formally abolishing slavery in this county, was officially ratified six months later.
Opal Lee, an American teacher, counselor and activist, is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” - a day to commemorate freedom, resilience, and achievement. In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federally recognized holiday thanks to the tireless advocacy and dedication of Opal Lee and many others.
We recognize this day to celebrate FREEDOM, to RECOGNIZE harm done in enslaving Black individuals in this country, and to continue our work to CORRECT INJUSTICES in the criminal legal system.
Resources: https://www.splcenter.org/learning-for-justice/juneteenth-meaning-freedom/ https://juneteenth.com/