Gustafson Gluek Continues to Recognize Juneteenth as a Holiday

In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which claimed an end to chattel slavery in the United States and, as a result, freedom for millions of enslaved African American people. However, news of emancipation and freedom took over two years to reach the more than 250,000 African Americans still enslaved in Texas.  As a result, African Americans remained enslaved until after the Civil War ended, and Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865.

Juneteenth commemorates the day—June 19,1865—that news of emancipation reached the last groups of enslaved African American people.  Six months later, on December 6, 1865, emancipation for African American people was enshrined in our Constitution with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which constitutionally banned chattel slavery and involuntary servitude in every corner of the United States.

Despite its monumental importance, Juneteenth too often does not receive the national attention it deserves.  Recent efforts to revive its significance, however, have made a positive impact.  Three years ago, President Joseph Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery throughout the United States.  Since then, nearly every state has now, in some way, recognized the importance of Juneteenth.

Gustafson Gluek PLLC will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday and to make clear that we recognize and respect this very important day in history.  We hope our nation continues to take steps to address racial inequality, provide education and healing, and ensure freedom and hope for all its citizens. 

In honor of Juneteenth, Gustafson Gluek PLLC made a donation to Northside Achievement Zone and the African American Leadership Forum. We encourage others to learn more about the organizations and their efforts. You can find out more at their websites: NorthsideAchievement.org and AALFTC.org