Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, freedom finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth marks that moment—one of long-overdue liberation, resilience, and delayed justice.

Today, Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder. A celebration of how far we’ve come as a country. A reminder of how long the road to justice can be. It also serves as an invitation to continue doing the work that freedom asks of all of us.

As someone who cares deeply about emotional healing, I view Juneteenth not just as a historical milestone, but as a collective opportunity to reflect, repair, and grow. It is a reminder that our country holds both pain and promise. That progress requires time. That honoring the past creates space for a more honest and connected future.

Freedom Isn’t a One-Time Event

Juneteenth shows us that freedom doesn’t always arrive when it should. Justice, too, can be delayed. Still, people rise. Voices continue to call for dignity, equity, and truth.

This day is a time to honor the generations who endured and persisted, often without recognition. Their strength and resilience continue to shape the freedoms we experience today.

Progress Matters, Even When It’s Imperfect

As a country, we are still in the process of learning and growing. Juneteenth gives us a space to reflect on how far we’ve come, while also acknowledging the work that remains.

It is possible to hold both pride in our progress and awareness of what still needs healing. Respecting our country’s history includes recognizing all of it—both the painful and the powerful.

Final Thought

This Juneteenth, may we pause to honor those who paved the way, acknowledge the journey we are still on, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of creating a more inclusive future.

Progress is not perfect—but it is possible, & it is always worth continuing.