Kyara Ofuani ESQ.’s Post

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of freedom and resilience. On this day in 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their emancipation—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a testament to the enduring struggle for justice and equality in our nation. As we honor this historic day - our country's second Independence Day - let us reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. The fight against systemic racism, discrimination, and inequality continues. We must commit ourselves to building a society where everyone is truly free, equal, and respected. In Congress, I will work tirelessly to: Address systemic racism and promote racial justice.Support policies that uplift Black communities and ensure economic empowerment.Expand access to quality education, healthcare, and housing for all.Fight for criminal justice reform and end mass incarceration.Let's celebrate Juneteenth with action and solidarity. Together, we can create a future where freedom and equality are a reality for everyone. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForAll #MelissaForCongress

Slavery was abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment, which was ratified on December 6, 1865. However, it took nearly two years for all of the states in the Union to ratify the amendment. There is still progress to be made today in terms of equality and equity. Juneteenth is an important day to reflect on our country's history and consider the many ways we can continue to make strides to close gaps and end racial injustice. A few ways you can encourage your team to observe Juneteenth include: Speak up when you witness acts of discrimination, hate, or racism Volunteer at organizations that defend civil rights or promote social action Support Black-owned businesses Encourage open dialogues about race with your friends and family Diversify your media consumption to include Black voices

The Significance of Juneteenth On June Nineteenth, we celebrate a pivotal moment in history—Juneteenth—when the chains of slavery were broken, marking the beginning of a new era of hope and unity for all, both former slaves and free citizens. The end of slavery did more than liberate those who were directly oppressed; it laid the foundation for universal freedom and justice. For the enslaved, it meant reclaiming their lives and dreams. For free citizens, it was a moral awakening to uphold the dignity and equality of every human being in the U.S. Yes, there is still much work to do and I'm not excluding other segments of the population that went on to be enslaved after this. This was a start. The end of African American slavery paved the way for civil rights movements, where people of all backgrounds fought for equality and justice. Women's suffrage, labor rights, and educational equality all draw strength from the spirit of liberation that Juneteenth represents. The economic and cultural contributions of African Americans began to flourish, enriching American society and fostering innovation and progress. Modern movements for social justice, such as criminal justice reform and the fight against systemic racism, continue the work started by those who celebrated the first Juneteenth, striving for a society where every person can thrive. And again, there is much work to do. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not just the absence of chains but the presence of opportunity and equality for all. It calls us to honor the sacrifices made and commit to a future where justice and liberty prevail for everyone. When we uplift each other, we all rise. Michael Raymond June 19, 2024

Juneteenth is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder that justice can win over oppression. It makes us think about what true freedom means in a world still affected by racial injustice. Let’s renew our promise to create a society where freedom and equality are real for everyone. As adults, we have a crucial role in this. It’s up to us to educate our children about Juneteenth and its powerful message. By sharing the history and significance of this day, we help them understand the ongoing fight for racial justice. Let’s use this moment to instill values of justice, equality, and freedom in our kids, ensuring that these ideals become a reality for everyone.

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is celebrated on June 19 to mark the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger enforced the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, freeing the last enslaved people in the Confederacy. Complete abolition followed with the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865. This day is a time to reflect on the progress and accomplishments of the Black community. While there is still much work to be done, Juneteenth reminds us that a brighter future is within our reach. Let's continue to support each other and create spaces where racial barriers and systemic racism can be dismantled. This day is especially meaningful as a reminder of our ability to overcome. The legacy of slavery still impacts aspects of life today, and we must challenge our personal biases and internalized racism to break down the barriers that persist. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Equality #BlackCommunity #Progress

Today, ARC commemorates #Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American, and indeed global history. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Certainly this is an important day worth recognising, but as we do we remember that while this marked the end of enslavement, it did not reset the power imbalance that had been in place for centuries. It did not change societal values overnight. Of course there were pockets of more humane thinking, but as enslavement ended those given their freedom were not equitably treated to ensure standards of living and working were now ‘equal’, there was no financial compensation, nor land, property or even equal rights afforded to Black Americans even though they now they were ‘free’. Instead the end of enslavement was followed by the era of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised and ultimately killed Black Americans for decades. These laws perpetuated racism and injustice , and intentionally prevented progress toward true freedom and equality. It took more activism and liberation movements before key legislative acts such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 came to pass. These laws were crucial in dismantling legal segregation and ensuring voting rights for Black Americans. Being free was never given freely. Every step towards equality has been as the result of activism, hard fought for rights, by organised communities, often of predominantly Black people. We stand on the shoulders of giants. As we celebrate this day of liberation, it's essential to recognise that the journey toward true equality is still ongoing. Enslavement left a legacy of systemic racism that still persists today. This Juneteenth, the only way we can all truly honour the resilience of those who endured and fought against enslavement is by committing ourselves to anti-racism today and every day. #EveryDayIsJuneteenth Use this day to educate, reflect, and take action against racism, wherever you may see it. #AntiRacism

Just a reminder as we kick off National Reconciliation Week - decolonisation takes action. Image: Black background with words - Decolonisation means being open to new ways of doing things in which you will have to be the one who must learn and adapt to new ways of doing things. Decolonisation must be led by Indigenous Peoples and supported by non-Indigenous Peoples through allyship, advocacy and action for systems change.

Now more than ever is the theme for National Reconciliation Week this week. And we need to be able to think outside our known ways of thinking, being and doing to solve some of the complex, tricky issues we are faced with right now. #NRW2024 #WaysofThinking #ProblemSolving

Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection & Action 🤝🏽 📌Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved Black people in the United States.This pivotal moment serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality. 📣Never Forget: The same individuals who dismiss Juneteenth as history also support criminalizing women’s healthcare, banning DEI initiatives, whitewashing slavery, imposing book bans, suppressing voters, normalizing hate speech, and denying systemic inequities. 🗣️However, I believe people can change. As Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," eloquently stated, "If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love." 🇺🇸Let's continue to actively work towards a more just and equitable future. To those who speak out against hate and fight for equality, you are the true patriots. You inspire us all. #juneteenth #freedomday #civilrights #dei #quote #democracy #history #EqualityForAll #stophate #endracism