Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom for All

 “What to a slave is the Fourth of July?” – Frederick Douglass

Juneteenth stands as our country’s second Independence Day. Stated by YCBA Attorney and JEDI Committee Member Sandra Thompson, “As a legal holiday, it is the ability for all to equally enjoy the day and to celebrate freedoms promised, freedoms won, and freedoms realized; to educate and to be educated about the food, dance, culture, accomplishments, and history of African Americans who were formerly enslaved; and to remember that with unity and determination, we have the resolve to persevere and prosper as a united country.”

Juneteenth, a combination of "June" and "nineteenth," commemorates a pivotal moment in American history—the day when the Union’s Major General Gordon Granger and his soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Granger read General Order No. 3, which declared that the war was over, the Union had won, and all enslaved people were free. This momentous announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and two months following the end of the Civil War. The liberation of over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas symbolized not only the end of their slavery but also the beginning of a broader struggle for true freedom and equality.

Pennsylvania first recognized Juneteenth as "National Freedom Day" in 2019, and in 2021, the U.S. Congress designated Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Beyond its historical commemoration, Juneteenth serves as a catalyst for action, urging us to dismantle systemic racism, promote equal opportunities, and cultivate inclusive communities where everyone can thrive regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. We encourage our members and the community to use this day not only as a a day for celebration, but as a moment to foster understanding, cultivate empathy, and confront all forms of injustice.

A Call For Action

As an African American attorney and civil rights advocate, Sandra Thompson's dedication to justice extends beyond the courtroom. Motivated by her own court scheduling conflicts during Juneteenth observances, Attorney Thompson presented the issue to the YCBA. Sandra provided additional insights into her advocacy efforts for Juneteenth within the YCBA and PBA.


From Local to Statewide Change

I began advocating for change surrounding the Juneteenth Day of Observation because, as an African American attorney and civil rights advocate frequently invited to speak at events celebrating Juneteenth, I was limited as I was scheduled for court on the day of observance for Juneteenth 2023. 

I started researching what legislature was passed and how each County was handling it. I brought it to the attention of the York County Bar's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee. Together, the Bar worked to prepare and adopt a resolution last year recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday.  

Then, I raised the issue and brought the York County Bar's Juneteenth Resolution to the attention of the PBA Civil and Equal Rights Committee (CERC). CERC then created a Juneteenth subcommittee whereas, I and Jada Greenhowe, Esq, CERC's co-chairs, with James Smith, Esq., and Althea Bennett, Esq., CERC's vice chairs, finalized a Juneteenth Report & Recommendation that was approved by CERC. On behalf of CERC, Attorney Greenhowe and myself successfully presented CERC's Juneteenth Report and Recommendation to the PBA House of Delegates and the Board of Governors for adoption on May 10, 2024.

York County Bar Juneteenth Resolution

Juneteenth is a Federal and State holiday and adopted by Pennsylvania Supreme Court (PASC Juneteenth Order), but has not yet been adopted in York County. As recommended by the JEDI Committee, the YCBA and YCBF boards adopted a Resolution in 2023 acknowledging the meaning of and advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday in York County.

Over the past year, members of the JEDI committee have engaged with York County Officials to advocate for the recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday, including office closures, while also emphasizing its historical significance in York County and fostering community education about its profound impact on American history. The Bar is dedicated to continuing this important work in our community.

Click to view York Bar's Juneteenth Resolution