San Mateo County Libraries: Celebrate Juneteenth

San Carlos CA

17 June, 2022

6:41 AM

Description

Press release from San Mateo County Libraries: June 15, 2022 It is important to recognize that June 19, 1865, was not the end of slavery. In fact, the Emancipation Proclamation, opens a new window issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, ended slavery in the Confederacy. About six months after Juneteenth, on December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment, opens a new window abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude was ratified. Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, Liberation Day, Freedom Day and Jubilee Day. In addition, this day is widely regarded as African American Independence Day as they come together to celebrate their cultural heritage and the symbolic day of freedom for the African American community. Although Texas was the first state to designate June 19 as a holiday, Juneteenth officially became a national holiday in the United States when President Biden signed a bill in 2021, opens a new window. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, opens a new window adopted an ordinance designating June 19 as "Juneteenth," in May 2022. This day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The story of how Juneteenth came to be demonstrates its importance to American History. It commemorates the hard-fought struggle for freedom and celebrates Black culture. Juneteenth is honored throughout the United States with parades, religious services, music and food. Here are 10 ways, opens a new window that you can commemorate Juneteenth in 2022, plus how you can celebrate in San Mateo County, opens a new window. San Mateo County Libraries will be closed in observation of Juneteenth on Sunday, June 19, and Monday, June 20. However, our libraries are always open at smcl.org. This event marks a major historic step toward efforts to combat systemic racism, social inequality and racial injustices that remain deeply rooted in our society. This press release was produced by San Mateo County Libraries. The views expressed here are the author's own.