Happy Juneteenth!

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Happy Juneteenth, Ham Fam! 

It’s the 2nd birthday of Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday! (Catch last year’s celebratory post here).

But did you know that Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1866? 

There is so much to learn about the significance of this day, that we thought we’d give you a run-down! Because when it boils down to it, we believe knowledge is power. Shirley’s is committed to learning, growing, and evolving to best represent you, respect you, and push the boundaries of our industry on your behalf. We still have SO much to learn! Just like most people. And we’re excited and committed to doing just that. So if you are still new to Juneteenth, a wildly important holiday for Black Americans as well as our historical heritage and progress as a country, then we are happy to share what we know and admire about this day.

🔥 Rapid Fire! 🔥
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  • Juneteenth was established as a day of celebration in Galveston, Texas

  • It’s been a Texas state holiday since 1980

  • It is also called Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day

  • This holiday celebrates the freedom from slavery for ALL Black Americans — which did not occur until 1866, years following the Emancipation Proclamation

  • It is typically celebrated with parties, jubilees, guest speakers, prayer, picnics and family gatherings, rodeos, fishing, barbecuing, and baseball

  • “Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.”
    Source:     Juneteenth.com

We are thrilled to witness this piece of progress further penetrate the mainstream consciousness. The freedom and liberty of all is certainly something to celebrate, and our country’s history must not be shied away from: only from knowing our history can we measure our progress. And while there is MUCH to be done, today is an indication that we are slowly moving in the right direction. 

To those celebrating, we hope you have a beautiful and joyous Juneteenth! 

-SH

IMAGE: han.del eugene; DIBBLE

author: lara freeman-erbin