Friend,
Today is Juneteenth — a day when African American families and friends get together to celebrate an important milestone in ending slavery in America. This year it has become a day to stand for Black lives, support racial justice, and emphasize education of this history. We invite you to recognize the holiday by taking the following actions:
In solidarity,
Team Tom
A brief background on Juneteenth
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863 and freed enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy. However, the Emancipation Proclamation wasn’t announced and enforced in Texas until June 19, 1865 — two and half years after it was issued. After that announcement, the Proclamation had finally reached all those enslaved in the Confederate states. Juneteenth commemorates that event.