Connecting Communities
Reflecting on Juneteenth
June 18, 2021
Today, Airlines for America joins others around the nation in pausing to remember and observe Juneteenth. Juneteenth – also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day” – is the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth’s roots originate in Galveston, Texas, where on June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger informed enslaved individuals that the Civil War had ended and that they were now free, more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
In recent years, the observance has rightly gained recognition and is marked with celebrations and reflections with friends and family, along with being established as a state or ceremonial holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia.
The observance has also been recognized by Congress as a federal holiday, and it became the country’s 11th federal holiday when President Biden signed it into law.
Over this past year, our country has begun fresh conversations about racism and inequality. At A4A, we are striving to be a leader in establishing initiatives that promote opportunity for all.
We hope you will join in celebrating and reflecting on the significance and importance of Juneteenth as we all strive to create stronger bonds and forge understanding in the community.