GBTA | Inclusion & Culture Committee’s Post

Today is Juneteenth. A celebration of freedom. It commemorates the end of slavery. It was on this day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, when the state’s enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom; over two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Let the significance of today inspire us all to build a more equitable and just world. #juneteenth2024

What do people NOT know about #Juneteenth? President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was signed on Jan 1, 1863 as a military strategy. The Proclamation proclaimed it legal for Black men to serve in the federal military, making all the difference in the Civil War. Black men had organized and trained themselves to fight from the very start, but they were turned away until the Union was desperate enough to enlist them and to free the slaves in rebel states. Black women also played a critical role as volunteers, scouts, and spies. The 29th Colored Infantry Regiment defeated General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox in April 1865 and ended the Confederacy. But we never learn about the 29th Colored Regiment, nor do we talk about Black contributions to winning the Civil War and saving the Union. After much resistance, two and a half years after Lincoln's Proclamation, Union soldiers finally arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. Slavery was abolished, officially, via the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865. Juneteenth represents not only the belated freedom for enslaved people in Texas but also symbolizes the broader struggle for emancipation and equality for all African Americans. It serves as a reminder that the deep-rooted injustices of slavery and the lingering legacy of #systemicracism and oppression still exist. Juneteenth is also symbolic of resiliency, perseverance, strength, triumph, and belief in the human spirit. Across the nation, African American communities honor their ancestors' unique fight for freedom, ❤️celebrate their rich cultural heritage and achievements, while enabling all Americans to reflect on this shared history and the path toward racial justice and equality❤️ Juneteenth became the nation's 12th legal federal holiday in 2021. Thank you Kimberly Sanders and Stantec's BLK ERG for sharing resources and insight to help us better understand and celebrate this important event. #BetterTogether

Today I recognize Juneteenth Day and provide you with a little history. June 19, 1863 was the day 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to emancipate more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state who were the last under Confederate control. Texas, as the most remote state of the former Confederacy, had seen an expansion of slavery because the presence of Union troops was low as the American Civil War ended; thus, the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation had been slow and inconsistent there. To put it into perspective, June 19 was 900 days after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect from Abraham Lincoln. The post-emancipation period, known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, but also uncertainty and struggle for our nation. In 1996, the first federal legislation was introduced to recognize Juneteenth Day, but it wouldn't become a federal holiday until 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the bill. Until then, it had been recognized as a commemoration or holiday in some US states by 1980, including Texas. Happy Juneteenth, America! #juneteenth #independenceday #america

Happy 100th Birthday to President Jimmy Carter, a leader whose legacy extends far beyond the borders of the United States. As someone born in the 1960s in Brazil, I witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of his foreign policy decisions, particularly his commitment to human rights and democracy in Latin America. During a time when right wing military dictatorships ruled much of the region, including Brazil, President Carter had the courage to shift U.S. policy away from supporting these authoritarian regimes. His administration prioritized the promotion of democracy, refusing to continue backing governments that suppressed their own people. This pivotal change played a crucial role in the redemocratization of countries like Brazil and beyond. For those of us who grew up under the shadow of dictatorship, President Carter’s dedication to human rights offered hope and paved the way for a more democratic future. Here's to a century of an extraordinary life dedicated to peace, justice, and equality. Thank you, President Carter. #JimmyCarter #Happy100thBirthday #LegacyOfLeadership #LatinAmerica #Democracy #HumanRights #Brazil #Redemocratization #ForeignPolicy

2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, many enslaved African Americans still were not informed of their freedom. On June 19th, 1865, known today as Juneteenth, Union Army Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with 2,000 federal troops. He issued General Order No. 3, which announced the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and is also known as "Freedom Day," "Emancipation Day," and "Juneteenth National Independence Day." Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the journey toward freedom and equality and to acknowledge the progress made while recognizing the work that still lies ahead. It is a day to celebrate African American culture, resilience, and contributions to our society. As we honor Juneteenth, let’s commit to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build a future that upholds the values of justice, equality, and freedom for all. Bonn Search Partners makes diversity part of our bottom line, and is proud to celebrate this important day in history! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #DEI

As We Rise: If you are like me, you probably had never heard about Juneteenth until it was declared a federal holiday in 2021. On this day in 1865, general orders 3 was issued by Major General Gordon Granger in the city of Galveston. This not only formally informed the residents of the emancipation proclamation but perhaps more importantly the presence of the union troops, led by General Granger, enforced it as well. Ultimately with the ratification of the 13th and 14th amendments there appeared to be a horizon of a new dawn. While the celebration of Juneteenth has been full of symbolisms with possible roots in the cultures of distant lands, this day offers a time for reflection and engagement. All this also noting the resilience of those that have trod this path before us. These attributes (reflection, engagement and resilience) are necessary for growth. As we look to understand and commemorate the past, it is vital that we explore the opportunities of the present to fulfill the potential of our shared future. If you would like to know more about Juneteenth I enjoin you to explore the links below: https://lnkd.in/d5pmzcgA https://lnkd.in/dMNxHCKm https://lnkd.in/dKU8XRWk https://lnkd.in/dM8FV3gz https://lnkd.in/d7E-2RQq

🌟 Today, we honor Juneteenth, our country’s second Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, declaring freedom for more than 250,000 enslaved Americans. This pivotal moment serves as a powerful reminder: none are free until we are all free. ✊🏾 Juneteenth is a critical time for all of us as it serves as a reminder that equality and justice in society isn’t a destination—it’s a journey we must continue to work toward every day. Recognizing Juneteenth and its importance is just the first step in that journey. We must continue to work toward the development of a society for all, and that is a journey that will require the efforts of all of us. At Project Good Apparel, we celebrate Juneteenth by reaffirming our commitment to fight for an inclusive and just future. Take a moment to honor this day by recognizing the ongoing journey toward true freedom and doing our part to make it a reality for everyone. #Juneteenth #SecondIndependenceDay #ProjectGoodApparel #NoneAreFreeUntilAllAreFree #EqualityForAll #DoGood #FreedomJourney #InclusiveFuture

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. Originating in 1865 in Galveston, Texas, this day commemorates the end of slavery, two and a half years post the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a vital occasion recognizing African American soldiers' contributions to the Union's fight for freedom and the subsequent abolition of slavery. It's a time to honor their service and the ongoing quest for equality within the military and society. The significance of Juneteenth lies in the events leading up to the end of slavery, including the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil War's conclusion, and the passage of the 13th Amendment. The Reconstruction Amendments, post-Civil War, further solidified these liberties: the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th granted citizenship and protection, while the 15th provided voting rights. #Juneteenth #ChariotsOfHonor

Happy Juneteenth from LETS GO Boys and Girls! This culturally historic holiday marks the official emancipation of slaves following the American Civil War. Although the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 declared all American slaves as free, the doctrine was unable to be enforced in Confederate territories. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers marched into Galveston Bay, Texas, and decreed the freeing of the state’s slaves. The holiday became known as "Juneteenth" among the newly freed Texans, and over time has become a celebration of independence, solidarity, and empowerment for African-Americans. Today, take some time to learn about our country’s history, look back on how far we have come, and consider how we, as a collective, can continue to make a difference. #Juneteenth2024