June 19, 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, slaves in Texas finally received word: They were free. 

 

Black communities in Texas and beyond annually celebrate this day, Juneteenth, which officially became a federal holiday in 2021. 

​

Freedom is a thread, and a fight, woven through this nation's history and current political climate. Continue to take action to celebrate and ensure true freedom for all through awareness of racial disparities, mobilization, and bold actions necessary to further the fight for social justice and equal opportunity.

​

Today, we commemorate the freedom of American slaves on Juneteenth. We gather in unity remembering the struggle, lives lost, victories accomplished and work still to be done to maintain freedom for all.