This Monday, June 19th, we have a holiday in honor of Juneteenth. Juneteenth was made a National Holiday not long ago to honor the last African Americans being freed from slavery on June 19, 1865. This occurred when Federal troops liberated slaves in Texas, some 2 years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and several months after the Civil War ended.
America’s tolerance of slavery since 1619 is an indelible stain on America, before and after its founding as a nation. Even today, nearly 160 years after Juneteenth, America has not realized its moral imperative to allow all people, regardless of race or religion, to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without obstacles based on their skin color.
JusticeWorks has as a core value that our staff reflect the make-up of the children and families we serve. We are proud and appreciative to have so many African Americans on our team. Their lived experience and cultural perspective is an invaluable asset to our work.
So, even as you enjoy a day off, please give some thought, and action, as to how you can be a force for a more equitable society.
Thank you.
Take care and be safe,
Dan