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Observing Juneteenth

June 17, 2021

Eden’s offices are closed tomorrow in observation of Juneteenth. Saturday is the official day that marks the oldest holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.

Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. There are several versions of what caused the delay, regardless, the June 19 date was celebrated with parties, food, and celebrations. The tradition faded during the Great Depression but saw a revival in interest during the Civil Rights era. More recently, President Joe Biden made the date an official national holiday.

We encourage you to join us as we mark this date and stay tuned to learn more about Eden’s commitment to ending anti-black racism.