We’re supporting Outdoor Afro’s efforts to get 50,000 people outside on Juneteenth to commemorate the 2.5 years enslaved people in Texas were delayed their freedoms. Please join us as we go outdoors for 2.5 hours to reflect on the history of Juneteenth and what it means to be truly free in America.
Outdoor Afro is a national not for profit organization with leadership networks that connects Black Americans to the outdoors. With 56 cities around the country, Outdoor Afro aims to reimagine Blackness outdoors while advocating for the protection of it.
Emancipation Proclamation was issued on September 22, 1862 by Abraham Lincoln to free enslaved people across the States. However, news traveled slowly and resistance to this new decree was high in Texas, Kentucky and Delaware. It took 2.5 years for the Union Army to establish authority over Texas and issue an order that freed all enslaved people across the state. On June 19, 1865 250,000 enslaved people in Texas gained their freedom and commemorated that day as ‘Jubilee Day’, now known as Juneteenth.
As a part of the Team Sierra and Sierra Club community, will you make a $5 donation to Outdoor Afro in honor of Juneteenth?
Plan your day commemorating Juneteenth by visiting a nearby park, forest or beach in honor of Juneteenth for 2.5 hours. Register your participation here. Afterwards, share your reflections on ‘What does it mean to be free in America?’ with Outdoor Afro.
