Blog

Honoring Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

Dear Residents, Staff, Family and Friends of Edenwald,

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.

January 1, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared 3 million slaves living in confederate states to be free.
June 19, 1865: More than 2 years passed before the news arrived in Texas.
June 19, 1866: First Juneteenth celebrations take place in Texas and other states followed.
1980: Texas becomes first state to declare Juneteenth a state holiday.
June 17, 2021: Juneteenth became a national holiday but has been recognized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia between 1980 and 2021.

Let us remember that Juneteenth is not just a single day of celebration but it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice and highlights the resilience and strength of the African American community.

This day holds immense historical and cultural importance as it symbolizes the long-overdue recognition of freedom for all people. It also provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation and as an organization, and to recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead.

Edenwald observes Juneteenth as a holiday and employees will have the day off. We encourage everyone to take this time to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, engage in self-education and support local Juneteenth events happening in our community.

Wishing you a meaningful Juneteenth.

Be sure to check out the recap of Edenwald’s Juneteenth Celebration!

You can view a brief performance of the song Gravity, after the end of the video.

Thank you,

David Brown

Vice President

Chief Information and Equity Officer