June 19, 2020
Hello,
Today is Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This year, Juneteenth is a particularly important day for reflection, education, and celebration as our nation continues to struggle with the shameful history of slavery and the ongoing plague of racism in America.
This important event happened in neighboring Galveston on June 19, 1865. As the Galveston Historical Foundation explains, “After the Civil War ended in April 1865 most slaves in Texas were still unaware of their freedom. This began to change when Union troops arrived in Galveston.” Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, commanding officer, District of Texas spoke from his headquarters in Galveston, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.” More information from the Historical Society can be found here.
In 1872, a group of African American ministers and businessmen purchased land in Houston and created Emancipation Park to commemorate the end of slavery in America. The oldest park in Houston, Emancipation Park remains a site for annual Juneteenth celebrations.
In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday, with 45 other states and the District of Columbia now recognizing the day. There have been calls to make Juneteenth a national holiday—particularly compelling this year.
Juneteenth celebrations this year are marred by the killings of unarmed Black citizens, the coronavirus pandemic, and so many dashed opportunities.
Please take a moment to reflect on our history and on the important role each of us can play in history going forward. This is a time for real and lasting change.
Warm regards,
Barbara
P.S. I encourage you to listen to these powerful remarks by USAF General Charles Q. Brown, the first African American chief of staff of the United States Air Force, recently unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
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