June 19 marks a holiday long overdue for recognition: Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

As an American history major, I was shocked to learn that this was never covered in our textbooks.

Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, enslaved people in Texas weren’t actually freed until federal troops arrived to enforce the order two years later, on June 19, 1865. 

Today is a time to reflect on our past and continue to work toward a better future.

With deep respect,
Mike Barasch

Photo Caption: An Emancipation Day celebration in Richmond, Virginia, in 1905