Community Huddle

WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved Black Americans were free-more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

WHY IS JUNETEENTH IMPORTANT?
* Marks the effective end of slavery in the United
States.
* Celebrates Black American freedom, resilience, and
achievement.
* Serves as a time for reflection, education, and
community engagement.
* Honors the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.

KEY HISTORICAL DATES:
January 1, 1863 - Emancipation Proclamation takes effect.
June 19, 1865 - Freedom announced in Galveston, Texas.
1866 - First Juneteenth celebrations held.
1980 - Texas becomes the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.
2019 - Pennsylvania becomes the first state in the Northeast to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.
June 17, 2021 - Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday in the United States through the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.

We honor and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Today, we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of fighting for racial equality and justice through nonviolence. It's unique as the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and improve their communities to build the "Beloved Community" Dr. King envisioned. The day is marked by marches, speeches, and community service projects.

Happy Thanksgiving Greeting Card!

From: Community Huddle