Many of us are taught that slavery ended with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but for enslaved people in Texas, freedom didn’t come until June 19, 1865.
In recent years, we’ve seen progress through activism, increased political representation — as well as historically in landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act, which was signed a few months after Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and other civil rights activists marched to demand voting rights for African Americans in 1965 — 100 years after Juneteenth.
John, Black Americans continue to face barriers at nearly all steps in the democratic process. That’s why at When We All Vote, we work alongside communities, volunteers, and partners to ensure fair and safe access to the ballot box despite persistent efforts to suppress voter access.
As you celebrate today with family and friends, take the next three minutes to register to vote in honor of Juneteenth. >>>
For many, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate our progress and a reminder of our long-delayed justice and freedom. Let’s continue the work of those before us who fought for Black lives, Black voices, and Black votes.
