Juneteenth
Juneteenth celebrates the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, armed with rifled muskets and General Order No. 3. "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free," said the order read by General Gordon Granger. It was June 19, 1865—more than two months after Confederate States Army Commander Robert E. Lee surrendered in Virginia and two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had legally ended slavery in the Lone Star State.
As this country’s oldest commemoration of the end of slavery, Juneteenth occupies a special place in the hearts of many African Americans. But the day is celebrated by people of all ethnicities and comes amid an expanding conversation about race in this country.
Honoring Juneteenth is more complicated than just recognizing the emancipation of slaves in the U.S. It is a day to continue fighting to end racism in the U.S. that prevents equity, creates disproportionate suffering, and harms Black adults and children across the globe.
Though not a federal holiday, 47 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a state or ceremonial holiday. Texas was the first state to recognize the holiday in 1980.
Let us come together to pray for an end to racism.
Prayer for Racial Healing (Catholic Charities USA)
God of justice, In your wisdom you create all people in your image, without exception. Through your goodness, open our eyes to see the dignity, beauty, and worth of every human being. Open our minds to understand that all your children are brothers and sisters in the same human family. Open our hearts to repent of racist attitudes, behaviors, and speech which demean others. Open our ears to hear the cries of those wounded by racial discrimination, and their passionate appeals for change. Strengthen our resolve to make amends for past injustices and to right the wrongs of history. And fill us with courage that we might seek to heal wounds, build bridges, forgive and be forgiven, and establish peace and equality for all in our communities. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.