On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and delivered life-changing news: the Civil War had ended, and enslaved Black people were now free. That day, June 19th, later shortened to Juneteenth, became a powerful symbol of liberation, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for justice in America.
While slavery had been legally abolished in 1863, enforcement depended heavily on Union troops reaching areas of the South. Texas, one of the most remote Confederate states, was the last to receive and recognize the order. For the 250,000 Black people still enslaved there, Juneteenth marked the first day they experienced freedom.
Juneteenth has been celebrated ever since, evolving from local gatherings to a nationwide reflection of Black history, achievement, and joy. In 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday, but for communities like ours, it’s always been more than just a date, it’s a declaration that freedom is a right, not a privilege.
Why Juneteenth Matters Today
At Time for Change Foundation, Juneteenth echoes in our mission every day. We exist to help families (many impacted by generational poverty, mass incarceration, and systemic racism) reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives.
Juneteenth reminds us that while progress has been made, freedom is still not equal for all. Black and Brown communities continue to face barriers to housing, education, employment, and safety. Celebrating Juneteenth isn’t just about honoring the past; it’s about committing to the work that still lies ahead.
It’s about closing opportunity gaps. It’s about building pathways to self-sufficiency. It’s about ensuring that no one is left waiting for freedom to reach their doorstep.
While we celebrate Juneteenth as a cornerstone of Black liberation, we also stand shoulder to shoulder with all marginalized communities. At TFCF, we know firsthand the power of what happens when people come together to fight for justice. We’ve seen the impact of mobilized communities. From organizing for housing equity to advocating for racial justice; we know we are stronger when we stand united.
Solidarity among communities of color is not optional, it’s essential. The challenges we face are deeply interconnected, and so is our liberation. Now more than ever, we must lift one another up, speak out against injustice in all its forms, and continue pushing forward together.
Honoring Juneteenth at TFCF
We celebrate Juneteenth by continuing the fight for justice through our programs, advocacy, and community engagement. Every woman who finds stable housing, every man who gets a second chance, every child who grows up in a safe, nurturing home—that’s freedom in action.
As we honor Juneteenth, we invite you to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward equity in your community. We all have a role to play in moving freedom forward. We also renew our commitment: to justice, to equity, and to each other.
Happy Juneteenth from all of us at Time for Change Foundation.
