On June 19, 1865, African American communities in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom from slavery — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect.
For 161 years, Juneteenth has been a day of remembrance for the freedom that was delayed. It is also a celebration of the joy and resilience that flourished despite that delay.
The contributions of African Americans, whose struggle for freedom shaped our nation, are immeasurable. Yet too many Black families continue to bear the brunt of an affordability crisis that has pushed them out of the neighborhoods and communities they've built.
True freedom has a tangible impact on daily life: the ability to afford housing, earn a living wage, put food on the table, support a family, and create a future for generations to come.
As we celebrate today, we must recommit ourselves to ensuring this freedom is fully realized.
Happy Juneteenth, New York City.
“My son didn’t intend to hurt anyone”: The parents of Karmelo Anthony, the Texas teenager who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of a fellow high school athlete, Austin Metcalf, spoke about their son and the trial in an exclusive interview with CBS News. Anthony's attorneys have filed an intent to appeal.
Metcalf’s father called the sentencing bittersweet: “Austin will never walk through that door again.” https://t.co/jeihZ2Vtxy
He has multiple grounds for an appeal. He had an all white jury in a racially charged case. The district attorney removed potential Black jurors during jury selection without strong, race neutral reasoning, which is called a "Batson Violation". The judge had errors in his instructions to the jury on what self defense is.
Would love for y’all to run it back for Tuskegee Homecoming! A campus pop-up with the crew handing out goodie bags, another Ola speaking engagement, a day of community service, an ABH scholarship giveaway, & of course some homecoming festivities. The people need it @ABHcosmetics