Celebrating Juneteenth

This Saturday, June 19 is Juneteenth, a 156-year-old holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience and achievements of Black people. Known also as Freedom Day, Juneteenth marks the historic day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned that they were free and that the Civil War had ended, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

People around the country celebrate Juneteenth through music, parades, block parties, family gatherings, storytelling, public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and religious services. Food is also a major part of Juneteenth celebrations, especially barbecue and red food and drink.

Juneteenth is much more than a holiday. It is an opportunity to learn and connect with one another so that we may work towards a world free from racism and discrimination. There are many ways to honor this historic day, including taking part in local events; supporting area Black-owned businesses; learning more about Juneteenth and Black history (SF Public Library’s Juneteenth list is a great place to start); exploring the work of Black artists, scholars, and writers; or donating to racial equity organizations if you can.

Sequoia Living’s strength comes from the unique gifts, talents, and life experiences each one of us brings to the work we do every day. We will continue to listen and learn from you as we affirm our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity throughout our organization.