The Advancing Belonging, Community and Diversity Committee will participate in the NM Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17th to promote Home Ownership, Equal Housing, and other GAAR outreach efforts. 

This three-day community event is free to attend and will offer soul food, music, local and national performers, and more! On Saturday, stop by to visit the ABCD Booth. Click to view the event lineup. 

NM Juneteenth Celebration
June 16th - 18th
Civic Plaza & Convention Center

HOURS
Friday, June 16th from 4 - 10 pm
Saturday, June 17th from 12 - 10 pm
Sunday, June 18th from 2 - 6 pm
Click to RSVP

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Embracing Unity

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday observed on June 19th in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and holds significant historical and cultural importance.

The origins of Juneteenth can be traced back to June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which declared that all enslaved individuals in Texas were free. This event took place over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. The delay in the news reaching Texas was primarily due to the minimal presence of Union troops in the state during the Civil War and the resistance of slaveholders to inform their enslaved population of their freedom.

Juneteenth represents a significant milestone in American history as it marked the true end of slavery in the United States. It symbolizes the triumph of freedom over oppression and stands as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of African Americans throughout history.

The observance of Juneteenth varies across different communities and regions. Traditionally, celebrations include parades, picnics, family gatherings, and community events. These festivities often feature music, dance performances, historical reenactments, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has become an occasion to honor African American culture, heritage, and achievements. It serves as a platform to highlight the contributions of African Americans to society and to promote unity and racial equality.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition and acknowledgment of Juneteenth's significance. Many states have officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday, and there have been ongoing efforts to make it a federally recognized holiday. The recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday in the United States was achieved in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed it into law.

Juneteenth also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. It is an opportunity to reflect on the history of slavery, the civil rights movement, and the challenges that persist in the fight against systemic racism. Education and awareness play crucial roles in ensuring that the historical significance of Juneteenth is understood and passed on to future generations.

Juneteenth holds a special place in American history as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the continued pursuit of equality. It serves as a reminder of the struggles endured by African Americans and emphasizes the importance of unity, education, and progress toward a more just and inclusive society.