Happy Juneteenth!

Hi Guys! Happy Juneteenth!

I’m really excited to share my thoughts with you. I’ve been thinking (and learning) about Juneteenth.

I believe it's so important for all of us to take the time to learn and educate ourselves about Juneteenth and the history behind it.

Even as a 13-year-old (almost 14!) I know my voice matters. I choose to use it for good. At Ava’s Pet Palace we’re committed to honoring Juneteenth!

I’m celebrating Juneteenth by learning more about this important holiday. This is something I never heard about in school.

I’m choosing to use today as a day of reflection, inquiry and gratitude for the sacrifices and gifts of those before us.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th 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. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Thanks for learning about Juneteenth with me! 

- Ava