Honoring Juneteenth – Celebrating Our Newest Federal Holiday
June 19 marks Juneteenth, which commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863 to establish that all enslaved people be freed, it wasn’t fully enforced until June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all slaves be set free.
Upon learning of their freedom, many newly freed men broke out in celebration, and Juneteenth was born. The following year, freedmen in Texas organized the first annual celebration of “Jubilee Day” on June 19. Over the years, Juneteenth celebrations featured music, barbecues, prayer services and other activities. As former slaves migrated from Texas to other parts of the country, the Juneteenth tradition spread.
In 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday. Other states followed suit over the years, and in June 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
The understanding and excitement of Juneteenth has grown enthusiastically in recent years. Across the country, people are coming together to acknowledge our history, celebrate the African American spirit and honor the contributions which have enriched our society.
By participating in Juneteenth celebrations, we strengthen the ties that bind us. We acknowledge the past and work toward a future of unity, respect and appreciation.
In St. Louis, we have many opportunities in the coming week to celebrate Juneteenth. Below are just a few.
- June 16 – Juneteenth Keynote Lecture and Gospel Music Performance at the Natural History Museum
- June 18 – TrailNet’s Juneteenth Community Bike Ride
- June 18 – Delmar Main Street’s Juneteenth Festival
- June 18 – Old North STL Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair
- June 18 – Walk for Democracy and Justice
- June 19 – Juneteenth Annual Fitness Celebration
- June 19 - Juneteenth 'Free Dome' Celebration at Fairground Park
- June 19 – Juneteenth Celebration Family Day at the Grand Center
- June 26 – Juneteenth 63121
We hope that you find a way to celebrate this meaningful holiday, whether it’s at a local event or a tradition of your own.
At Seniors Home Care, we celebrate the diversity of our SHC family and are grateful to the many African American’s who have helped shape Seniors Home Care into the company it is. We are blessed by the contributions of African Americans and amazed by what occurs when you embrace a diverse culture with a unified mission.
From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Juneteenth!
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