Friday, June 19, 2020 • 12:00-12:08:46 p.m • On our own, together in spirit

We introduced our family-friendly Juneteenth event at the Robbins House two years ago. This year, due to COVID we’re planning an 8 minutes and 46 second vigil in honor of Juneteenth. Although we’ll be apart physically, we’ll be together in spirit as we breathe deeply, kneel if we can, make space for our emotions and reflections, and make a commitment to at least one sustained anti-racism action. You can find suggested anti-racism action items here.

Recommended family reading: Juneteenth for Mazie by award-winning author and illustrator Floyd Cooper

What is Juneteenth?

One year before Ellen Garrison’s dismissed attempt to legally test the nation’s first Civil Rights Act in 1866, the last enslaved community was notified that the Civil War was over and slavery had ended. That community was in Galveston, Texas, and the announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, originally intended to free enslaved people in rebellious southern states. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States was ratified December 6th, 1865.

The commemorative day is a stark reminder of America’s persistent resistance to equity, and resistance to treating each individual with equal rights and dignity, 155 years later. Learn more about Juneteenth here and here.