Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks a pivotal moment in American history. The day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, now recognized as a federal holiday, is more than just a commemoration of emancipation; it is a powerful celebration of African American culture, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

Juneteenth symbolizes both liberation and the delay of justice. While slavery legally ended with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, enforcement in Texas came only with the arrival of Union troops. That delay reflects a broader narrative of systemic inequality, where progress for Black Americans has often come late or at great cost. Yet, in the face of injustice, African Americans have continued to rise, building communities, traditions, and institutions that sustain culture and amplify voices.