Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom & A Call to Heal

Today, communities across the country gather to celebrate Juneteenth, a powerful day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. While it’s a time for joy, culture, and community connection, Juneteenth also carries deep emotional weight. It serves as a reminder of how long justice was delayed and how far we still have to go. 

At The 1937 Foundation, we recognize Juneteenth as both a celebration of freedom and a reflection on the healing still needed in cities like Chicago and beyond.

A Brief History of Juneteenth

The origin of Juneteenth traces back to June 19, 1865. Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were finally free. This news came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The delay was not simply a matter of distance or communication. Slaveholders in Texas resisted change and continued to exploit Black labor for as long as they possibly could.

When General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Galveston, it marked the first time many Black Texans learned they had been freed. This moment ignited spontaneous celebrations and became the foundation for Juneteenth. It was not just the end of slavery in the Confederacy…it was a long-overdue acknowledgment of Black humanity and dignity.

Why Juneteenth Still Matters Today

Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone. It is a reminder that freedom has never been given freely in this country. Black communities have fought for every inch of progress. From Reconstruction to Civil Rights, and from Ferguson to the present day. Despite emancipation, the systems that replaced slavery - Jim Crow laws, redlining, mass incarceration, and economic disinvestment - continued to limit the promise of liberty for Black Americans.

In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday, and it felt extremely reactive given the BLM protests. This recognition came after decades of advocacy and organizing by Black communities across the country. While this designation is technically a step forward, the fight for equity, opportunity, and justice is far from over. The spirit of Juneteenth demands more than symbolic recognition. It calls us to take action against racial injustice in all its modern forms.

Chicago: A City Still Healing

In cities like Chicago, the legacy of slavery and systemic racism is still visible in daily life. From unequal access to healthcare and housing to disparities in education and employment, Black residents continue to face deeply rooted barriers. Gun violence, over-policing, and generational poverty are not just symptoms of an “economic illness.” These are the result of decades of policy choices that devalued Black lives.

Neighborhoods on the South and West Sides, rich in culture and history, often experience neglect while other areas receive investment and protection. This two-tiered system reflects the same delayed promise that defined Juneteenth’s origin. Freedom, when delayed, is not truly freedom. Equality, when conditional, is not truly equality.

The 1937 Foundation: Healing Through Community

At The 1937 Foundation, we believe healing must happen in community. That’s why we create spaces for education, empowerment, and restoration. Our events, wellness workshops, and social justice programs aim to reconnect Black and Brown communities with their roots, their stories, and their power. We do this with intention, care, and deep respect for the resilience these communities continue to show.

We view Juneteenth not only as a day to honor the past but as a call to reimagine the future. Every time we gather for healing circles, lead a policy discussion, or host an arts-driven event, we take another step forward. We edge closer towards repairing the generational trauma left behind by slavery and the war on drugs. Our mission aligns with the essence of Juneteenth: liberation, dignity, and self-determination.

A Day of Joy and Reflection

Celebrating Juneteenth means recognizing joy as an act of resistance. The barbecues, parades, drumlines, and spoken word performances that happen today are more than festivities. They are declarations of survival and pride. Joy on this day is powerful because it stands in contrast to the pain that preceded it. It’s a reminder that Black culture continues to thrive in spite of everything it has endured.

At the same time, we must reflect on what freedom truly means. Is it enough to be free on paper when people still face barriers to housing, employment, and wellness? Is it true liberation when Black children are still more likely to face punishment than protection in schools? Juneteenth asks us these questions. It asks us to look honestly at our systems, our communities, and ourselves.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Juneteenth is a sacred opportunity. It’s a chance to listen to elders, uplift local voices, and teach younger generations that their stories matter. It’s also a time to push for policies that move us closer to collective liberation. Whether it's advocating for reparations, investing in mental health resources, or expanding access to education, there is work to be done.

The 1937 Foundation remains committed to this work. We believe that change must be rooted in love, community, and truth. As such, we will continue to show up, build bridges, and fight for a future where everyone can heal and thrive.

Celebrate With Intention

As you celebrate Juneteenth today, we encourage you to do so with intention. Learn the history. Support a Black-owned business. Talk to your family about what freedom means to you. Attend a community event or volunteer your time. If you’re in Chicago, join us at one of our upcoming workshops or healing sessions. These spaces exist because liberation is an ongoing process, and it’s no secret that Black joy is revolutionary.

Together, let’s honor the past while building a freer and more just future. Happy Juneteenth.