Happy Juneteenth.
Today marks June 19, 1865, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.
Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that freedom is precious, that justice matters, and that history should be remembered honestly. It honors the perseverance, faith, courage, and dignity of those who endured hardship while holding onto hope for a better future.
As Christians, we recognize that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent worth and value. Scripture reminds us that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). While earthly freedom is something to be cherished and protected, true freedom is ultimately found in Christ.
Today, I honor those who suffered, those who persevered, and those who helped move our nation closer to the principles of freedom and human dignity. May we continue to learn from our history, extend grace to one another, and work toward communities that reflect justice, compassion, and respect for all people.