June 19, 1865
Juneteenth
On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation officially outlawed slavery in Texas and every other state at war with the Union, yet the immoral and horrific act of slavery persisted in Texas. The end of slavery and the enforcement of the declaration relied on Union troops to stop rebel resistance.
More than two years after the edict outlawing the enslavement of people, on June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas ending the illegal enslavement of over 250,000 Black people in the free state. The subsequent holiday became known as Juneteenth.
On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday
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Mission
The mission of the Juneteenth Committee of Wilmington, NC, Inc. is to educate, emancipate, empower, and energize our communities through the celebration and commemoration of our rich history. We strive to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of African-American heritage and culture while fostering unity and inclusivity among diverse populations.
Vision
Our vision is to create a future where every individual in Southeastern North Carolina, embraces the legacy of Juneteenth, experiencing the profound impact of our shared history on our present and future. Through engaging programs, events, and initiatives, we envision a community that celebrates diversity, promotes social justice, and cultivates empowerment for generations to come.
