This coming June 19th marks the second ever federal Juneteenth Holiday. A holiday of remembrance as it serves as the anniversary of the June 19, 1865 proclamation that all slaves are free. It marked the absolute equality of personal rights and today, is the most prevalent celebration of emancipation in the United States.
The Emancipation Proclamation itself, which ended the confederacy on paper, took place nearly two and a half years prior to June 19th, 1865. But with minimal federal troops in Texas during the Civil War, enforcing the Proclamation in Texas was difficult. When Union forces arrived in Galveston, Texas that day, approximately 250,000 slaves were finally freed.
The 13th Amendment was a long time coming. From debates in Congress, to Civil War, to June 19th and racism that still followed after… there was confusion, delay and terror. It took decades for progress. And we are still striving for further progress today.
June 19th, 1865 was a remarkable day for black men and women of Texas and gave newly freed slaves across the country a date to rally behind.
Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American Freedom and focuses on education and achievement. It also represents resistance, resilience, and joy for the black community.
In recognizing this remarkable holiday, Global Credit Union and all its branches will be closed on June 20th.
