Celebrating Juneteenth
June 19, 2021
Dear friends of APF,
This year marks the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, a celebration commemorating the official end of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. This came more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared more than three million slaves to be free.
Known also as our “second Independence Day” in the United States, Juneteenth is honored by Black communities in the United States with festivals, family gatherings, educational events, and prayer. Today is not to be a reminder of suffering and pain of slavery, but instead is about the spirit of renewal that celebrates freedom and opportunity. The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times and repairing broken bridges with paved roads.
The resources below serve as a starting point to learn more about this important day:
Juneteenth's Historical Legacy
APF recognizes the importance of Juneteenth as part of our commitment to building bridges and empowering communities. We also know that our own empowerment depends on us being good allies and partners to all communities who share our values and interests.
Sincerely,
Shamila N. Chaudhary
President, American Pakistan Foundation