We would like to join hands with you in commemorating Juneteenth (aka Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day). Clear Impact will recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday for the organization. We hope that our decision, as well as the recent establishment of Juneteenth as a national federal holiday, can serve as a jumping-off point for deeper discussion and action in achieving racial equity.
It is important to understand exactly what we are celebrating. Juneteenth is the name given to the day on which the last slaves in Texas were freed. After the issuing of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it took almost three additional years until the Proclamation was fully enforced. On June 19th, 1865, Union Major-General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Galveston, Texas. It stated:

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.” (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 2021)

Today, our intention is to acknowledge this important moment in history while calling to mind the true historical context. While pivotal, the events of June 19th, 1865 represent a conditional declaration of freedom. We honor this day with the understanding that the effects of slavery and institutionalized racism are still felt. There is so much farther to go in the pursuit of racial justice.
While small, we are hoping this internal policy change will be one of many that support authentic acknowledgment of Black American history and experiences.
We aim to go beyond talking to taking action on racial justice – and helping anyone interested do the same. If you’re equally committed, please consider joining us for a conversation next week discussing the Measurable Equity One Year Challenge. This is a free webinar available to all.
Thank you for all that you do,
The Clear Impact Team