6.19.23 – APFA Commemorates Juneteenth National Independence Day

APFA Commemorates Juneteenth
National Independence Day

Monday, June 19, 2023

Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth”, marks the day when federal troops officially arrived in Galveston, Texas, to end slavery in the United States. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed two and a half years earlier, slavery remained largely unaffected in Texas.

While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger issued an order for freedom for enslaved Africans and African Americans in Texas that all experienced freedom from this bondage. Celebrations of this anniversary date back to 1866 and grew in popularity in the 1920s and 1930s.

Due to the efforts of activists Lula Briggs Galloway, Opal Lee, and others, Juneteenth is now a federal holiday in the United States. Legislation establishing the holiday was passed by Congress on June 16, 2021, and signed into law by President Joe Biden the following day. Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Emancipation Day.

While this victory is celebrated, we understand that there is a long way to go to right the wrongs of injustice that plague this nation. A famous quote by Emma Lazarus states, “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.” As we watch civil liberties get rolled back across the nation, it is essential now more than ever that we reflect on where we have been as a nation and where we wish to go. As unionists, we must stay focused on our mission to ensure that every person gets to live a life that is respected and treated in a manner that honors their humanity and right to a quality life. We must always stand together, united, against systems of oppression that seek to profit off the hard labor of others without sharing the reward.

We are excited to announce and preview today two new APFA unity pins that will be available soon!

As we recognize this 158th anniversary of Juneteenth, let us take time to appreciate and understand the contributions of African Americans, who undoubtedly helped to build and shape the United States. From all of us at the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, Happy Juneteenth! Let us stay committed to the fight for freedom and equality.

In Solidarity,

Chaddrian Calhoun and Rhonda Curtright
APFA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
[email protected]