JUNETEENTH OBSERVANCE INITIATIVE
Our mission is to advocate for the widespread observance of Juneteenth by all companies and organizations across the U.S., ensuring that this crucial part of American history is honored at the same level of respect and celebration as the Fourth of July.
JUNETEENTH
Freedom Day / Jubilee Day / Emancipation Day
True Independence Day
Juneteenth honors the beginning of our nation’s true independence—the freedom for all members of the reunited nation after the American Civil War. More than 400 years after the first enslaved African people were brought to the North American colonies, the fight for justice and equity continues.
We are committed to raising awareness about Juneteenth and its profound significance in American history. Through education, advocacy, and action, we aim to make Juneteenth a celebrated holiday across all industries. Our goal is simple: to promote unity and foster understanding of the history of slavery and its lasting impact on our society. By encouraging companies to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth on the same scale as the Fourth of July, we hope to inspire national progress and systemic change.
HISTORY
Slavery did not end on January 1st, 1863 with Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Slavery “ended” 900 days later, on June 19th, 1865 (160 years ago). The Civil War started in 1861 because of growing tensions between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) over slavery and how profitable forced labor was for the south. The Civil War ended in April 1865 when Confederate General Robert E. Lee was outnumbered surrendered his troops to the Union. 16 months after Lee surrendered, President Andrew Johnson declared a formal end to the conflict on August 1866.
Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had legally freed enslaved people in Confederate states two years earlier, Texas had resisted compliance. A group of colored soldiers approached General Gordon Granger and said “you will do something about this or we will.” In June 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with approximately 2,000 Union volunteer soldiers. While his primary mission was to end the Civil War and reintegrate Texas into the Union, he had an additional task. On June 19, Granger and his soldiers issued General Orders No. 3, announcing that “the people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
Opal Lee, an extraordinary woman now 98 years old, played a pivotal role in getting Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday. Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” her efforts led to the holiday’s federal recognition on June 17, 2021. In 2016, at the age of 89, Ms. Opal embarked on a remarkable 1,400-mile walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about Juneteenth and garner national support for its recognition. Her determination paid off when she presented Congress with over 1.5 million signatures in favor of making Juneteenth a federal holiday, finally achieving the recognition the day deserved since 1865. Opal Lee firmly believes that the fight for freedom and equality is ongoing—and The JOI Movement stands with her in that mission!
How to Get Involved
COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
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Is your company ready to make a public statement of support of The JOI Movement? By signing The JOI Movement pledge, you are committing to officially recognizing and observing Juneteenth as a holiday, on par with the Fourth of July each year. This commitment sends a powerful message to your customers and employees that you stand for equality and unity.
Email Pledge@thjoimovement.org to receive details on the pledge agreement!
Join the Movement
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The JOI Movement is about more than just a holiday – it’s about a collective effort to promote social awareness, unity, and celebration of Juneteenth and DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) across the United States and beyond. Whether you’re an individual, a community group, or part of a larger organization, you can help amplify the message of The JOI Movement and make a difference.
1. Subscribe to the email list below!
2. Share this website with your family and friends!
3. Follow & share The JOI Movement on social media! @TheJOIMovemet on Instagram & the.joi.movement on TikTok!
4. Start a JOIful conversation!
(use this website)!
5. Become a sponsor! (more info to come!)
Education & Awareness
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One of the key pillars of The JOI Movement is education. Many people do not fully understand the importance of Juneteenth. Through resources, workshops and partnerships, we aim to provide the tools needed to spread knowledge about this important moment in American history. Whether you’re hosting an event or sharing educational materials, your voice can help raise awareness and create meaningful change.
(More info & events to come)
Resource’s
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