Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the defeated Confederate state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops' arrival came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Only when sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others can we make the Beloved Community a reality.
Please note: The Plymouth Staff will observe Juneteenth Holiday on Thursday, June 19. The church building will be closed.
(Photo: Emancipation Day, Texas, 1900, Austin History Center)