In 2021, the United States Senate declared Juneteenth a federal holiday. North Carolina governor Roy Cooper also proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth Day in North Carolina.
Juneteenth marks the day when Union troops made it to Galveston, Texas to share the news of freedom to slaves, some of the very last to hear. Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation a full two and a half years before slaves in Galveston were made aware.
At Avance Care, we honor the dignity, value, and equality of every person and patient. On Juneteenth, we encourage ourselves and you to take time and reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and the work each of us can individually do to make our homes, communities, workplaces, and world a more equitable place for all.
Here are resources we recommend on what Juneteenth is and ways you can celebrate:
What is Juneteenth? 10 things you need to know
Juneteenth: The History of a New Holiday
On Juneteenth, three stirring stories of how enslaved people gained their freedom
The Best Way to Honor Juneteenth, According to Activists Who Helped Make It a National Holiday
Juneteenth: A Time to Reflect and Educate
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