On June 19, 1865, news of freedom finally reached enslaved Africans in America living in Galveston, Texas, over two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. In the years following that momentous occasion, Juneteenth has been marked by celebrations commemorating America’s “second independence day.”
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, UFCW President Milton Jones said, Juneteenth gives us an opportunity to reflect upon other hard-won victories. “We are reminded that freedom has never been a destination reached once and for all. Each generation has been called upon to defend, expand, and broaden access to the freedoms and opportunities that define our nation.”
“While tremendous progress has been made, the pursuit of full political and economic freedom continues. Efforts to weaken voting rights protections, restrict access to the ballot box, and dilute the political voice of Black communities remind us that progress is neither permanent nor guaranteed. Juneteenth calls on us to reflect on that history and recommit ourselves to advancing equal participation, representation, and opportunity for all.
“Our union, alongside the broader labor movement, has long provided a pathway to economic mobility, collective power, and greater opportunity for Black workers. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to empowering every worker who seeks a voice on the job, strengthening collective bargaining agreements that help workers build economic security and generational wealth, and expanding opportunity for communities that have too often been denied it.
“Fully realizing the promise of Juneteenth requires ensuring every worker has a voice, a fair chance to succeed, and the opportunity to help shape their future. That is work worth doing together.”