Balfour Beatty Investments’ Post

This #Juneteenth, we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, honoring the strength of those who helped to secure liberty, freedom, and justice for all — and supporting those who continue to work toward those same ideals today. How are you commemorating Juneteenth? Share your stories and traditions in the comments! 💫

There has been a pattern of delayed justice when it comes to slavery and racism in the US. Juneteenth marks the day that the slaves in Texas finally became free — a whole 2 and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. And it just became a federal holiday in 2021. We can't even begin to untangle the complex trauma and damage that the fingerprints of slavery have imprinted on our country, still plainly visible today. But we can honor the sacrifices of those who helped end slavery, celebrate the progress that has been made, interrogate the innate privilege so many of us know all our lives, and make an effort to heal wounds. Celebrate Juneteenth. Celebrate freedom. Celebrate progress. And never stop demanding positive change and real equity.

Today, we honor the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States and the invitation of freedom to all Americans. #FreedomDay Learn more about the significance of Juneteenth https://buff.ly/3MThhq6

Today, and every day we celebrate the end of slavery. If you'd like to learn more about Juneteenth, check out this website about the historical legacy of Juneteenth: https://s.si.edu/3z1ozqr

Today is Juneteenth, a commemoration of the end of slavery in the US following the Civil War ✊🏽 More than 150 years after the enactment of the Thirteenthth Amendment, very little has been done to address the legacy of slavery and its continued legacies visible in contemporary inequality and injustice. Though the enslavement of Black people created wealth, opportunity, and prosperity for millions of white Americans and gave birth to the American economy, its impact is largely obscured and ignored. Slavery in America traumatized and devastated millions of people and created false narratives of racial difference that still persist today. These narratives, including the ideology of white supremacy, lasted well beyond slavery and fueled decades of racial terror, segregation, mass incarceration, and inequality. Strengthening our understanding of racial history empowers us to create a healthier discourse about race in America and foster an era of truth and justice.

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a significant day in American history that marks the actual end of slavery in the United States. President Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation in early 1863 - which declared all enslaved people now free. The 13th amendment, which officially amended the constitution to outlaw slavery, was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865. But it wasn't until June 19, 1865 that the final community of enslaved people were informed that they were free, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the new law—two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone; it’s a celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress. It's a reminder of the importance of understanding our country's history, honoring the people who fought to get us to where we are and looking ahead at the strives we still need to make when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Join us in celebrating this pivotal moment in history and continuing to build a more inclusive future for all. #juneteenth

History

Coming Soon Defeating Slavery by Nancy Spannaus Defeating Slavery takes on two of today’s prevalent assertions about slavery. First, I challenge the current popular insistence that the commitment to slavery was integral to American identity. I document the depth and pre-eminence of the American anti-slavery movement, starting in the 18th century and growing to a peak during the Revolutionary era. The fight against slavery by persons of all races was integral to our Revolution, and never died. Second, I counter the idea that the extraordinary economic progress of the United States was based on the wealth allegedly created by the slave economy. As the advocates of Hamilton’s economic system insisted, our prosperity depended upon freeing ourselves from economic colonialism. The advances in our economy occurred despite the continuation of chattel slavery, which was a source of backwardness and impoverishment.

LET'S UNDERSTAND IT BETTER: Engaging in slavery studies requires not only a profound understanding of Ottoman legal documents but also a robust psychological fortitude, heightened awareness and sensitivity, and a strong moral character aligned with modern human rights principles. It transcends the role of a professional historian. it demands an intrinsic commitment to being a compassionate human striving to amplify the voices of the unheard. It involves delving into the often painful narratives of those affected by slavery, navigating the complexities of historical contexts, and fostering an empathetic approach that acknowledges the enduring impact on individuals and communities. In essence, it entails not just scholarly expertise but a genuine dedication to shedding light on the human experiences embedded in the history of slavery. So, it is always more than just slavery studies.