GSEP Commemorates Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. We acknowledge and celebrate this day as we continue to stay educated and committed to the ongoing fight against racism.

When the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, it was established that all enslaved people would be forever free. Unfortunately, this did not instantly free all slaves and only applied to those under Confederate control. On June 19, 1865, almost two years later, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas with federal orders and proclaimed the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved people. From its Galveston, Texas, origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and planning the future. We acknowledge and celebrate this day as we continue to stay educated and committed to the ongoing fight against racism. We’re committed to building a community that reflects the people we serve and acknowledge the period in our history that shaped and continues to influence society today.