Celebrating Juneteenth: Freedom Day

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Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day) is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US. This day is celebrated annually on June 19th, by putting together educational events, speeches, religious services, family gatherings, picnics, and festivals with food, music, and dancing.

As always, your ACU Cultural & Diversity Committee would like to celebrate the diversity of our team and especially the significance of this day of remembrance by sharing some knowledge specific to the importance of this holiday.

Did you know?

48 of our 50 States recognize Juneteenth as a State Holiday or a special day of observance. In particular, Florida Statue 683.21 designated Juneteenth Day a holiday in 1991.

History

In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.

The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. Within a few years, African Americans in other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition. Celebrations have continued across the United States into the 21st century.

A note from the writer:

Thank you for your support of our committee and your commitment to our diverse credit union team. We hope this post was informative and inspires you to educate and celebrate with your friends and family. I hope I did this critical information justice, but if there is anything in this content that is inaccurate or deemed offensive in any way, please contact me immediately for an open-minded conversation.

Respectfully,

Christian Pagan

Sources:

  • Encyclopedia Britannica

  • National Museum of African American History & Culture | Smithsonian

  • Congressional Research Service

  • The Florida Senate | MyFloridaHouse.gov

Cultural CommitteeChristian Pagan