Enlightened Gives Back: Juneteenth
Celebrating freedom... for all Americans
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and America celebrates freedom every year on the Fourth of July. But do you know the summer’s other great celebration of American freedom?
The American Revolution achieved independence for the United States from Great Britain, but it didn’t bring freedom to enslaved Black Americans. Slavery continued for many decades afterward. It took an additional two years even after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation for the last enslaved people to be freed.
Juneteenth, celebrated each year on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people were freed in Galveston, Texas. Picnics, cookouts, traditional songs, and even rodeos are part of the annual festivities.
💡 Feel-good fact: The traditional beverage for Juneteenth is strawberry soda!
How we’re giving back
Now through 6/26/21, we’ll be donating 50% of profits from our website to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to help in the fight for racial justice and equality. We’ll also be matching 100% of contributions made by Enlightened employees to the NAACP.
Recognizing Juneteenth is important because valuing freedom in America means valuing freedom for all Americans. We can only move forward together by remembering our shared history. Happy Juneteenth—we hope you’ll join us in celebrating!
