On this day, we honor and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln two years earlier, news regarding the emancipation of slaves had been suppressed by slave owners who were waiting for the war to end. Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865 when General Granger informed the people of the end of the Civil War and final freedom of an estimated 250,000 slaves.

This freedom allowed African Americans to finally leave their former slave dwellings in search of family with hope in their hearts and the clothes on their backs. They could now travel freely, name oneself, legalize their marriages, worship freely, create community organizations, and pursue whatever rights they had been denied during slavery. This truly marked the beginning of reconstruction and opportunities. 

In addition to celebration, today the Valley Youth House team will take this time to educate and advocate in support of racial justice for all. For a list of Juneteenth resources provided by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, please visit CLICK HERE!