Juneteenth: Justice is Often Delayed

Melissa Pond, Esq., J.D., equity officer and Title IX coordinator, reflects on the importance of Juneteenth.

For African Americans in the United States, justice is often delayed. Waiting almost 90 years for the inalienable right of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” or almost two years for the Emancipation Proclamation to become law. The legal designation of “Juneteenth” as a federal holiday recognizes a pivotal moment in United States history.

Beginning in 1865, June 19 has been a day to celebrate the historic moment when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the residents that enslaved people were now free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, the news of freedom arrived slowly for many across the country. Combining “June” and “nineteenth” this day became known as Juneteenth.

Perhaps unsurprising, many formerly enslaved people left in search of new beginnings or to find family members that had been sold. However, many slaveowners were unwilling to surrender free labor and refused to release their slaves. Some slaves who were free or attempted to leave were attacked and killed.

To me, Juneteenth is a day to honor the hardships endured by our ancestors. It is a reminder of the horrific history of slavery and continued oppression of African Americans. It also exemplifies the survival instinct and how, as a community, we can persevere despite oppression. It is about empowerment and hopefulness. After decades of activists campaigning for a change, Congress has approved Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.

Although significant progress has been made, we are reminded daily there is still more work to be done. Today, African Americans still experience racism every day at every level of American life, but millions of people are marching, advocating, rallying, and organizing to put an end to that, too. It has been a very long road, but we must stand together and remain in unity as we continue to fight the battle for justice and equality for all.

“Justice grows out of recognition of ourselves in each other. That my liberty depends on you being free, too.” –President Barack Obama