Waves of Freedom: Juneteenth 2023

Juneteenth Flag, credit Nafsadh, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”

—General Order No. 3; Galveston Texas, June 19, 1865
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ref/abouttx/juneteenth.html

While many American history classes conflate Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with the end of slavery, it took several years before the order reached states like Texas—and it wasn’t until June 19th, 1865 that slavery was properly abolished. It should also be noted that while slavery was banned as an institutional practice, it still exists in the prison industrial complex and disproportionately affects Black Americans.

Black communities nationwide have celebrated Juneteenth for decades, but it was adopted as a national holiday in 2021 (and celebrated as a state holiday in some states prior to that). This year’s theme is Waves of Freedom—honoring the history of Black Americans and affirming every person’s right to equity and dignity.

Fannie Lou Hamer at a protest, credit to William J. Smith.
“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” —Fannie Lou Hamer

In celebration and solidarity, take some time today to support Black-owned businesses, organizations, and individuals in your community. Take a look at the US Chamber of Commerce’s directory of Black-owned businesses or do a search for a directory in your area. Consider donating to a charity that works for the freedom, empowerment, and success of Black Americans, just a few of which are listed here:

• NAACP Legal Defense Fund
• Southern Poverty Law Center
• National Black Child Development Institute
• National Black Justice Coalition
• The Loveland Foundation

Monetary support isn’t the only way to show up for Black communities on Juneteenth. Check with your local NAACP branch for volunteer opportunities or events happening this month. This holiday is a celebration—and a reminder that slavery’s impacts are far from gone.

In solidarity,

Rue Dickey
Marketing & Media Specialist