The United States has many federal holidays, but less is known about the newly appointed federal holiday Juneteenth. Officially recognized by President Biden in 2021, Juneteenth occurs annually on June 19. In January 1863, the first Watch Night took place — when enslaved and free African Americans gathered in secret in churches, private homes, and unknown locations across the country to await the news of freedom. Watch Night or “Freedom Eve” brought people together in solidarity and prayer until news spread of the Emancipation Proclamation that declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate States were legally free. Though this was a celebratory time for many, not all of the country took part in celebration.
The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery, but not all Confederate territories complied, continuing to enslave people by claiming exemption from U.S. laws. Texas, with over 250,000 enslaved individuals, was the final state that kept African Americans in bondage despite the law. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, that these individuals were finally freed. This day, now known as Juneteenth, marks the end of slavery in Texas, finally liberating African Americans in the U.S., and symbolizes the long-awaited freedom for many who were unjustly kept enslaved. Juneteenth is celebrated every June 19 to remember and honor this pivotal moment in history and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Juneteenth reminds us of the progress toward racial equity and the remaining challenges that still prevail. It provides an opportunity for Change Matrix to evaluate our practices, celebrate successes, and identify areas for improvement in promoting justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are reminded of the importance of demonstrating our commitment to honoring historical context while creating lasting, positive change.
In celebration of Juneteenth, some of our staff members at Change Matrix shared what the day means to them:
For me, Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the resilience and strength of my ancestors who endured the unimaginable horrors of slavery. It’s a day to celebrate Black joy, Black culture, Black strength, and Black community in the face of continued adversity and systemic racism. Juneteenth reminds us that the work of liberation is unfinished — that we must continue striving to create a society where Black lives are genuinely valued and Black people can thrive.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, we must go beyond symbolism to take meaningful action to address racial inequities. We must commit to educating ourselves and others about Black history, uplifting Black voices, and dismantling oppressive systems and structures. Juneteenth is a holiday and a call to action to fulfill the promise of freedom and justice for all. – Melissa Smith
Juneteenth is more than just a historical milestone; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of Black people and a call to action to continue striving for a more just and equitable society. Celebrating this day is crucial in honoring the past, recognizing the present struggles, and working toward a brighter future for all.
– Lakiya Teixeria
No one is free until we ALL are free!!!
Juneteenth means freedom and liberation to me! I am free to be Black and proud, to be a woman with my own thoughts and opinions, to be cultured and respect the diversity of society, and to be ME!
When we are free, we can experience liberation. My ability to experience the world has shaped my view of others. It allows me to be tolerant while still maintaining my values. It allows me to coexist in this world. Most importantly, it allows me to be seen as human. I have traveled to many places worldwide, and my ancestors would be proud. Some people enjoy their bubble, but I prefer to experience the beauty of people and how they move in this world.
On my travels, I have been embraced by Africans, Arabs, Caribbean’s, Australians, and the Maori people of New Zealand. I hope to experience more of the world. These experiences show me how BLESSED I am to be FREE! I don’t take it for granted, even though I know we have much more work to do to liberate Black people around the world. It helps me to continue to speak up and speak out for the benefit of others who are oppressed or suppressed (including myself). One day, I want those who come after me to experience true freedom and liberation just to be!
Happy Juneteenth!
Freed and Liberated – Dr. Brandy Holloman
Juneteenth holds significance as a celebration of the progress toward freedom and liberation. For me, it represents the acknowledgment of historical and current injustices and the resilience of the Black community in the face of oppression and racism. It commemorates the end of the initial form of slavery in the United States, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equity and justice. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the advancements toward racial equity and the work yet to be done. Its recognition as a national holiday symbolizes a step toward acknowledging and confronting America’s painful history. I celebrate this holiday to honor my ancestors’ fight for freedom, the generations before me still working to achieve equity, and the future generations who will continue this movement. Also, I celebrate this holiday to remind myself of the need for joy, laughter, and community in this work. – Mylonne Sullivan
As an African immigrant from Somalia, Juneteenth holds immense significance as it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, a pivotal moment in African American history. It serves as a reminder of the shared experiences of oppression and resilience among people of African descent, regardless of geographical origins. Participating in Juneteenth celebrations allows us to connect with the broader African American community, honoring our shared heritage and struggles. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Juneteenth empowers African immigrants, including those from Somalia, to amplify our voices, advocate for social justice, and contribute to the ongoing quest for freedom and dignity for all. – Fauzy Sayid
Juneteenth is a special day in our country because it commemorates the liberation of all enslaved Black people. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, enslaved people in Texas were not free until June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth is important to me because it reminds me of the strength of my ancestors. It reminds me that I am the descendant of people who persevered in the face of oppression and adversity. As an equity leader, Juneteenth gives me hope to keep advocating for justice, liberation, and system reformation despite the pushback and opposition.
Lastly, Juneteenth is important to me because I am a Black woman raising three Black children. I want them to know they are free because of those who have gone before them. I want them to know they are their ancestors’ wildest dream and the hope for the future. – Dr. Ghia Kelly
Juneteenth holds profound significance for me as a Black woman in America, symbolizing the end of slavery and our ongoing quest for true freedom. Despite only recently being recognized as a federal holiday, I remember attending annual Juneteenth festivals in Denver, CO (not a place known for its diversity). The festivals were filled with a rich tapestry of cultural performances and communal bonding, creating a sense of comfort amongst strangers and reminding us of the indomitable spirit of Black people. For me, Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and celebration, but it is also a day of renewed commitment. It inspires me to continue advocating for justice, uplifting my community, and educating others about the significance of this day. – Cachet Evans
Growing up in South Florida, we did not learn about Juneteenth in school. It was nowhere to be found in our textbooks, teachers didn’t make bulletin boards to commemorate the holiday, and even my Black history teachers circumvented the conversation. Living in the rich diversity of Brooklyn, NY after the proclamation of Juneteenth’s status as a federal holiday, I am now immersed in real celebration of culture and progress toward liberation. But outside of the Black community, I am reminded that this is just an excuse to enjoy a day off work for many in this country.
For me, Juneteenth is a reminder of all the work that has been done and all that is still to come to fight for true liberation, justice, and equity in America. With the attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and critical race theory in education, we need to fight for our youth to learn this history, to fight against the erasure of Black history in textbooks, to fight for knowledge and the right to take us space. My hope is that our celebration in the streets of New York and across the country are loud reminders that Black joy will thrive and our communities and allies will not be silenced. – Chyenne Mallinson
Juneteenth is an important day for me as a Black woman who is a history enthusiast. I am passionate about preserving the memories of people’s sacrifices and ensuring that my family’s younger generation understands this history’s significance. I teach them, “This is something that happened; it is important to remember this history and, more importantly, to prevent it from repeating itself.” I firmly believe that history should always be remembered but never repeated.
Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday because people remembered what happened and recognized that many were still not free. Juneteenth exists because of their continued fight for the freedom they deserve. I celebrate this day with family and friends by having dinner and reading historical documents and family stories related to Juneteenth online. The memories passed down from generation to generation by people are something we appreciate, and we take the time to examine them all.
My favorite part of our celebration is at 7:00 pm (19:00), when we observe a moment of silence for all the lives lost, those who didn’t live to see freedom, and those who were never given a chance to be free. Juneteenth is an important holiday to celebrate regardless of your background, as it is an important day that took place and deserves to be celebrated by many. – Kassandra Vivu
