Happy Juneteenth,
Our nation’s third annual commemoration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a powerful time for reflection. The holiday commemorates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States, marking the day in 1865 that African Americans were notified by the Union Army that slavery had come to an end in Texas – a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Beginning as a grassroots celebration, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021 following President Biden’s signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
Though there was tremendous joy among members of the African American community on this occasion in 1865, it soon became clear that emancipation from chattel slavery did not yet equate to full citizenship and freedom for African Americans. In fact, it opened a century-long battle over the fate of American democracy and where our nation’s citizens of African descent would fit into it. Certain aspects of this struggle resonate in our nation even today.
USADF’s purpose of fostering hope, economic growth, and goodwill between the U.S. and African nations is strengthened when we acknowledge the historical inequalities and present-day challenges of African Americans and members of African Diaspora communities across the United States. In our mission to create pathways to prosperity for the most marginalized African communities on the continent, USADF also celebrates the resilience and strength of African and African Diaspora communities here at home.
May this holiday serve as a reminder of the great strides we have made as a nation; a celebration of the ideals of freedom, human dignity, and democracy; and a call to action for all the work yet to be done towards a more perfect union. On behalf of USADF, I extend my warmest wishes to you all this Juneteenth.
Sincerely,
Travis Adkins
President & CEO, USADF