XV Beacon is in full support of Juneteenth and stands with the Black Community, our diverse employees, our travelers whom visit us from all over the world, travel advisors, and all of our other partners to eliminate systemic racism.
Today we celebrate this important day; it is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States!
On July 4th, 1776 the United States of America achieved our independence form Britain and every since the Holiday known as 4th of July has been a national holiday in America to which we celebrate proudly. Sadly, everyone wasn’t free. In fact, every state in the Union still legally practiced slavery.
It wasn’t until January 1, 1863, with a Civil War still going on Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which stated slaves were now free. It wasn’t until April of 1865 that the Civil War ended and General Robert E. Lee finally surrendered. Unfortunately the news of freedom hadn’t reached the state of Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger traveled to Texas to deliver the news. All enslaved people were free.
Juneteenth (June 19th) became a significant day of freedom for Black Americans. Unfortunately, more than 150 years later, the history and importance of this day is still not showcased in history books or taught in our schools. The date is not recognized as a federal holiday in any of our 50 states and is only recognized as a state holiday in 47 states. It is our hope that 2020 shines a light of change that is long overdue. In order to make history you have to be the change.
Please join us in celebrating Juneteenth and for more information on events happening in Boston please visit Juneteenth in Boston. Black history is American history!!
