We will be taking time to understand, educate, and acknowledge this day in history.
As many of you know, Juneteenth is honored on June 19 which marks the end of slavery in the United States. In 2021, President Biden declared Juneteenth to be the newest national holiday. TRIO believes it’s important to recognize this momentous date in our nation’s history.
On June 19, 1865—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—the Union Army Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were now free.
In the following years, African Americans across the United States began to celebrate event. As events grew, religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings, picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing became part of the celebration.
The TRIO offices will be closed on Monday, June 20, 2022 in recognition of this day in history. We will be taking time to understand, educate, and acknowledge the history of Juneteenth.
At TRIO, we believe understanding, respect, and fairness must be the standard by which we live. We believe that we must not only imagine a better future for our country and for everyone in it, we must actively work for it.
Here are 4 ways you can honor Juneteenth this weekend.
- Educate Yourself: Take some time to read about Juneteenth’s history, including how black families felt after being emancipated. Watch the documentary 13th on Netflix, or engage with other movies, shows, books and podcasts about systemic racism.
- Participate in Online Juneteenth Events: Tune in to the virtual Juneteenth music festival or online gala, and find a listing of local events where you live.
- Reflect: While slavery ended in 1865, systemic racism continues to this day. Use June 19 as a day to reflect on critical issues that perpetuate discrimination against black people in America and throughout the world.
- Support: There are so many ways we can help in the fight against racism year-round. From putting our creative talents to work with local organizations like Creative Strategies For Change, which focuses on racial justice by mobilizing art and education, to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
