Celebrate Juneteenth!

The members of the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) proudly pay homage to Juneteenth. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

The term ‘Juneteenth’ is a blend of ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth.’ It commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed the freedom of all enslaved people. This proclamation, in line with President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued on January 1, 1863, came over two years after the initial proclamation, underscoring the delayed enforcement of emancipation in some regions.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration, reflection, and education, recognizing African American freedom and emphasizing achievements in the community. It is a time to honor African American culture, history, and contributions while also acknowledging the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights.