On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Texas to carry out the emancipation of African Americans who were still enslaved. Over a century and a half later, Juneteenth is a national federal holiday commemorating the official end of slavery and the independence of Black Americans.

America was founded on the belief that all humans are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights. On Juneteenth, we are reminded of the importance of those ideals. At Spirit of America, we work to engage all citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. Together we must continue to work to secure this promise for all people around the world.