
JUNETEENTH 2024
FREEDOM DAY
Juneteenth honors the day that news of emancipation reached the last group of enslaved people in America: June 19, 1865. On this day, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the commitment to create lasting change together.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, it took two and a half years for enslaved individuals in the state of Texas to be told of their freedom.
Juneteenth is the celebration of the day in the United States when all enslaved individuals became aware of their freedom.
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress.” Barack Obama
THE Y IS FOR ALL
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together, we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility — they guide everything we do.