Honoring Juneteenth

It has marked one year since Congress recognized June 19 as a federal holiday, and NASW-CA is proud to continue to honor Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a time to commemorate the day when the Union Army issued an order proclaiming the emancipation of the enslaved people in Galveston, TX — a full two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the continued fight for equity and justice for the Black community. It also is a day for non-Black folks to recognize their privileges, their anti-racist journeys, and to use their platforms and privileges to empower the community.

As this day celebrates the hope and freedom of Black folks, the community continues to experience the effects of slavery, historical and current traumas, and pains of systemic racism. NASW-CA is committed to listening to marginalized voices, advocating for legislation that supports and uplifts the Black community, and promoting racial equity in the social work profession and in our society.

We have compiled a short Juneteenth reading list to help folks understand Juneteenth and what it represents: