SHIELDS celebrates Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official January 1, 1863, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas on June 19th 1865 with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

SHIELDS for Families celebrated Juneteenth together with performances, games and activities, dancing, food, fun, and fellowship! Thanks to client council, the activities committee, Francis Jennings, Selvin Peterman & Robert Alvarado (music), Marcus Holcombe (MC), Malcolm Cooper (Graphic Design/Programs) the clients and their families, and the staff for your hard work and participation to make this event a success. A special thank you to Panera Bread Company and Sprouts Farmers Markets for donating food for the event, to T1 – a SHIELDS youth who filmed and photographed most of the event for the Juneteenth video, and to Celestine Ezinkwo of CelestineRap for allowing the use of his song “Justice is Blind” as the soundtrack for the video.