Celebrating Juneteenth
Some call June 19 America’s ‘true Independence Day’
Juneteenth, which is a shorthand for June nineteenth, has been observed throughout Texas and other pockets of the American South for over a century and became more widely celebrated in recent years. It is also known by other names, including Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.
Juneteenth stories from Enbridge employees
Sharing our stories helps us find connections and build understanding as we work toward a more inclusive workplace. Hear from two Houston-based Enbridge employees, Jessica and Tiffany, about the significance of Juneteenth in their communities.
June 19, 1865 marks the day when more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas received news of their freedom—more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Many descendants of American slavery regard this day as their Independence Day, as their ancestors were still enslaved when the United States declared independence on July 4, 1776. It’s worth noting that practices such as sharecropping, and prison labor allowed slavery to effectively continue in America for many years beyond 1865.
More Juneteenth resources
Read
- Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery
- Freedom’s Gifts: A Juneteenth Story (children’s book)
Watch
Listen
Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Enriching lives
Today’s HBCUs are transforming for the future, while upholding traditions and producing Black excellence
