Celebrating Juneteenth
Here in Texas, we value our freedom more than anywhere else in the nation. This has been true since our time as an independent nation and over the course of this great state’s history. However, we did not begin to progress toward the equality of freedom until June 19, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation began to be enforced in Texas. Juneteenth is an official state holiday in Texas that celebrates when a country conquered the inhumanity of slavery, and it is a celebration of the long path to freedom. From the moment the men, women and children who had been held by the cruel chains of slavery were freed in Texas, our state has become stronger and our future made brighter.
Juneteenth marks not only the end of slavery within Texas, but our first steps toward providing freedom for all, which we still strive to do each and every day. That is why the celebration of Juneteenth and the empowerment, history and culture of the African American community it represents is so vital to the Lone Star State. I am so proud that last year Greg signed legislation commissioning the Juneteenth specialty license plate. As Greg has said, this shows where Texas stands: we stand for liberty for everyone.
Greg and I encourage all Texans to come together in celebration of Juneteenth, the freedom this holiday represents, and the history and culture of the African American community it presents. Because liberty, and most importantly liberty for all, flows through the very heart of Texas.
