PB&W Recognizes Juneteenth

Article by Alexis Alvarez 

On June 19th, 1865, about two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, soldiers announced in Galveston, Texas that the Civil War had ended and all Black Americans who were held in slavery were free. The holiday we celebrate on this day is very well known as Juneteenth. This holiday is a time to celebrate freedom, African American culture, and heritage, and to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of African Americans in the face of oppression. The holiday has its history in Texas, where it was first celebrated in 1866, but it has since spread throughout the country. Juneteenth is also a call to continue the work of achieving true equality for all. The legacy of slavery and racism still continues to affect lives of African Americans today, and this holiday is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made, but also to acknowledge the challenges that remain.

In recent years, Juneteenth has gained renewed attention and significance, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. Many people are now calling for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday, and for it to be taught in schools as part of American history. Juneteenth is the oldest holiday commemorating emancipation from slavery in the U.S. This holiday is an important part of our U.S. history that changed the lives of many people.

Author Alexis Alvarez