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“Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.
On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.”
While Juneteenth marks an incredibly important step in Black American rights, it is just that – one step. The rights, way of life, and livelihood of marginalized communities continue to be at risk. As Americans and as Jews, we are called to fight for justice for all, which “cannot be achieved until we address ongoing racism in all sectors and at all levels of society.” (rac.org)
In 2023, as a statement of our values and in support of the Black community, the PTS Board of Trustees adopted Juneteenth as an office and staff holiday. We hope that you will commemorate this day by recommitting to fight against justice and oppression of all kinds.
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