Office Closed: Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX were told that they were free after Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered in Appomattox, VA. This announcement made the Emancipation Proclamation effective after it was issued two years earlier by former President Abraham Lincoln.

Although Juneteenth’s history is not very well known, it is one of the longest running African American holidays, with celebrations beginning in 1872 when Black businessmen in Houston, TX purchased several acres of land to hold Juneteenth events and celebrations.
[Source: Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning, Indiana University Bloomington]

God of all peoples, of all nations,
On this day of freedom, we celebrate triumphantly with all people of goodwill that we might walk arm in arm towards justice for all.

Breathe into us your eternal breath, that we may never tire of ensuring a flourishing life for all people, but most especially, those brothers and sisters whose growth has been stifled by the trauma of being enslaved.

O God, we know and have seen your goodness, and because of it, we cling to the hope that unity and liberation for all are within our grasp. Continue to show us your goodness, that we may have the strength to advance your kingdom with humility and grace.

[Source: Catholic Health Association]