Christian Ortiz ✊🏽’s Post

Today we honor #Juneteenth, a historic milestone that reflects our nation’s ongoing pursuit of justice. It’s a day to celebrate resilience, liberty, and the lived experiences of the Black community. Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Black Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform more than 250,000 enslaved Black Americans that they were finally free. This paved the way for the 13th Amendment’s ratification on December 18, 1865, which abolished slavery nationwide. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. While celebrations historically occurred on different dates (like Virginia's Emancipation Day on April 3rd), June 19th stands as an enduring symbol of freedom. Across the nation, Juneteenth unites communities in a celebration of perseverance. We honor the unwavering spirit of Black, Brown, and all Americans who tirelessly fought for justice before us and renew our commitment to the work that remains to build a more just and equitable future. For more information on how to celebrate Juneteenth in your community, please visit the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. at https://lnkd.in/gT-TnAz3.

Happy Juneteenth! Today we celebrate emancipation and Black history and culture. We reflect on our nation’s history, relax with loved ones, and thank our ancestors for their strength: we are their wildest dreams come to life. Jan 1, 1863: The Emancipation Proclamation is issued by President Abraham Lincoln, declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate states that were in rebellion against the Union. Apr 9, 1865: Civil war ends with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House. June 19, 1865: Juneteenth - General Order No. 3 is issued by Union General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas, announcing the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and marking the official end of slavery in Texas, the last Confederate state to free enslaved people. Dec 6, 1865: Slavery abolished - Ratification of the 13th Amendment, officially abolishing slavery in the United States. Other state emancipation days: Jan 1: North Carolina* Jan 1: South Carolina* Jan 1: Arkansas* Apr 3: Virginia* Apr 16: Washington DC* May 8: Mississippi May 20: Florida* May 29: Georgia* Aug 4: Oklahoma* Aug 8: Kentucky* Aug 8: Tennessee* Nov 1: Maryland* *NLC Chapter

Honoring Juneteenth: A Continued Commitment to Justice ✊🏾 This #Juneteenth, we remember and celebrate the bravery and resilience of those who fought to abolish slavery. However, the struggle continues... Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we renew our commitment to justice and equality. We must continue to work together to dismantle structures of oppression and ensure that none of us are free until ALL of us are free. 📣 What steps can you take today to promote justice and equality? #JusticeForAll #BlackHistory #CivilRights #EmancipationDay #EqualityForAll #RacialJustice #Inclusion #Diversity #BlackLivesMatter #SocialJustice #FreedomForAll

The insult and injustice of the nation never reconciling centuries of debt and restitution owed goes beyond the impairment and indignity accrued and compounded through the years, and further aggravated and exacerbated by any redress given to others. The one most egregious to me is The Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, which issued reparations to thousands of white slave owners as property compensation for freed --- lost slaves. Even members of Lincoln’s administration were recipients. But this issue is so much more than the just accounting for generations of bondage, for it is an issue of rectifying the ongoing wrongs of ever-present ills, and dismantling the intentional infrastructure of socially engineered disparities.

"In the 161 years since Freedom Day, Black Americans have made contributions to this country that have aided in making what America is today." Today is a day of freedom for Black Americans and for people of all backgrounds to recognize that Black excellence has contributed immensely to the United States. We appreciate Lisa Gardner of Black Lens News for sharing these reflections on the history of Juneteenth, where we are in this moment, and how to forge ahead on the road to collective liberation. Read more at The Black Lens:https://lnkd.in/ggMYb8Vq

As we gather to celebrate Juneteenth this June 19, we commemorate not just a day of emancipation but a profound chapter in our nation's ongoing journey toward justice and equality. Though Black Americans have observed Juneteenth since the mid-late 1800s, its recognition as a federal holiday only came in 2021, following the tragic and galvanizing events that brought the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black victims of police violence into the national consciousness. This belated acknowledgment invites us to delve deeper into the narratives of our past and to contemplate the enduring legacies of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, liberating the last quarter of a million enslaved African Americans—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This pivotal moment, while not marking the official end of slavery, symbolizes the delayed but inevitable march toward freedom and justice. Texas, the last bastion of slavery during the Civil War, stands as a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched and resistant to change the institution of slavery was. Juneteenth serves as an invitation to reflect on the entire history of slavery and the subsequent struggles for freedom, equality, and justice that have defined the Black experience in America. From the abolition of slavery to the oppressive era of Jim Crow laws, the fight for civil rights has been relentless and ongoing. Today, as we observe Juneteenth, we must also confront the modern manifestations of systemic racism and inequality that persist in our society. As we honor this day, let us envision a future where the shadows of slavery no longer darken our national conscience. It should be a future where the principles of liberty and justice for all are not mere aspirations but lived realities. This vision requires us to commit to continuous learning, active engagement in social justice initiatives, and a resolute stand against discrimination. Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it is a call to action. It urges us to confront the past, challenge the present, and create a future where freedom truly means freedom for everyone. As we celebrate this day, let us renew our commitment to building a nation that fully acknowledges and addresses its history, strives for equity, and upholds the dignity and rights of all its people.

Today we recognize #Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. We celebrate the resilience and freedom of Black Americans and recognize the hard work put forth towards achieving equity & justice for all. #WilsonBold #Juneteenth2024

Despite the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas, endured over 2 more years of enslavement and exploitation until news of their freedom reached them on June 19, 1865. This coming Juneteenth, we invite you to join us in celebrating Black freedom and Black fortitude to fight for humanity and equality in the face of injustice and systemic oppression. We offer you the following reflection: – What actions will you take to honor and defend Black people’s humanity, genius, labor, and contributions beyond Juneteenth? – Given the way anti-Blackness is showing up in banning books, outlawing affirmative action, and attacking DEI efforts, what can we do to protect Black people’s “enduring spirit”? – What are you willing to lose for Black liberation? #DrAnnetteGordonReed #Juneteenth #LiberatEDSEL #collectiveliberation

Excited to share my latest Newsweek essay, delving into Juneteenth's profound significance in shaping the Black American struggle for inclusive democracy. From the historic roots of Juneteenth to its role in advancing radical pluralism, this piece challenges us to safeguard our progress and pursue equity for all. Join me in honoring Juneteenth by reflecting on its legacy and committing to action. Dive into the full article through the link. #Juneteenth #InclusiveDemocracy Link: https://lnkd.in/gttCJafu