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.
Michelle Obama: You were doing the people's work, rescuing our economy, expanding health care, ending a war, ordering the bin laden raid, saving an auto industry, winning a peace prize.
Hello from rainy Houston. Unfortunately the weather is not playing along today. We just did a little trip to Target and are now figuring out what to do in this weather. Later today we‘ll start driving to the coast.
What I dont understand about the kool aid pineapples is they are clearly very simple to make, but the people who sell them are treated as sort of hood alchemists
Why is everyone all of a sudden against “graduations” outside of HS and college? They’re singing two songs and getting a certificate with a sticker on it. Im down for whatever to celebrate scholars and keep them motivated.