U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
        Here’s how you know
    Goverment symbol**Official websites use .gov**
            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
        Lock symbol**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
            A lock (
              A locked padlock
                 ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive
              information only on official, secure websites.
 Skip to main content JoinDonate
    About
    About
          About
        
About menu block one
  

        
        What We Do
                Our Impact
                Agency FAQs
About menu block two
  

        
        Our Team
                Careers
About menu block three
  

        
        Agency Overview
                            Budget and Performance Plans
                Disability and Accessibility
                Federal Register Notices
                Open Government
                Plain Writing
                Privacy Policy
                Strategic Plan

  

  
Serve
    Serve
          Serve
        
Serve menu block one
  

        
        AmeriCorps
                            AmeriCorps NCCC
                AmeriCorps State and National
                AmeriCorps VISTA
                AmeriCorps Seniors
                            AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program
                AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
                AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program
Serve menu block two
  

        
        Volunteer
                            9/11 Day
                MLK Day
Serve menu block three
  

        
        Find Your Fit
                Serve FAQs

  

  
Partner
    Partner
          Partner
        
Partner menu block one
  

        
        How it Works
                            AmeriCorps NCCC
                AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent
                AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP
                AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion
                AmeriCorps State and National
                AmeriCorps VISTA
                Research and Evaluation
                Volunteer Generation Fund
Partner menu block two
  

        
        Partnerships
                Communities and Initiatives
                Funding Opportunities
Partner menu block three
  

        
        Partner FAQs

  

  
Members & Volunteers
    Members & Volunteers
          Members & Volunteers
        
Members & Volunteers menu block one
  

        
        Your Benefits
                Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
                Education Award FAQs
Members & Volunteers menu block two
  

        
        Alumni
                Members in VISTA
Members & Volunteers menu block three
  

        
        Member and Volunteer FAQs
                Safety and Security

  

  
Grantees & Sponsors
    Grantees & Sponsors
          Grantees & Sponsors
        
Grantee & Sponsors menu block one
  

        
        State Service Commissions
                State and National Direct Grantees
                State Subgrantees
                VISTA Sponsors
                Research and Evaluation Grantees
                Volunteer Generation Fund and Days of Service Grantees
Grantee & Sponsors menu block two
  

        
        RSVP Grantees
                Foster Grandparent Program Grantees
                Senior Companion Program Grantees
                Senior Demonstration Program Grantees
                NCCC Project Sponsors
Grantee & Sponsors menu block three
  

        
        Manage Your Grant
                Grantee and Sponsor FAQs

  

  
Newsroom
    Newsroom
          Newsroom
        
Newsroom menu block one
  

        
        News
                Blog
Newsroom menu block two
  

        
        Stories
                Events
Newsroom menu block three
  

        
        In the News
                Communication Resources



  
Contact
    Contact
    JoinDonate
search Breadcrumb

              Juneteenth Provides Time to Reflect, Rejoice, and Remember
      Submitted by 
rfrazier
 on 
Thu, 06/16/2022 - 17:51Jun 17, 2022
        AmeriCorps Staff
  

                    On Sunday, June 19, the country will mark the second annual observance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday but for many Black Americans, the official end of slavery has been celebrated for generations. Also known as African American Independence Day, Jubilee Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth is the oldest national celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Black people in America.

**What is Juneteenth?**

Juneteenth is a significant day for Americans because people of all races, nationalities, and religions come together to acknowledge the history that built our country’s foundation. It serves as a reminder of our capacity emerge from our darkest moments with purpose and resolve to work together to build a better tomorrow.

On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia, ending the Civil War. However, slavery didn’t end until June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that all slaves were free in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

Today, we reflect on our nation’s past to learn how can further advance racial equity and heal current divisions.

**How do you celebrate Juneteenth?**

From parades, barbecues, rodeos to worship and community service you can find or create a Juneteenth commemoration in your community. No matter where you go, you are likely to find AmeriCorps members helping mark the occasion through service.

**Engage Arkansas**

Engage Arkansas has partnered with the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute to provide a Juneteenth Day of Service Training for their AmeriCorps members. Where they will be able to identify ways to engage their community and open the dialogue about difficult conversations. By taking the Juneteenth Day of Action pledge, members are recognizing the hard-fought road that led to emancipation and recommitting to strengthening communities.
Juneteenth Graphic

**AmeriCorps St Louis**

AmeriCorps members in St Louis are celebrating by giving back to those who came before through a day of service at the Greenwood Cemetery. They will work to clear invasive species and restore the 32 acres of land. This work is crucial as a post-desegregation as many Black cemeteries have fallen into disrepair due to neglect or abandonment. Their work also will include documenting and cleaning newly found graves.
Greenwood Cemetery*Headstones from the Greenwood Cemetery***Tiye,  AmeriCorps Member**

“As I look back on the history of the United States and the history of my own family, I think back to one of my favorite quotes: ‘You are your ancestor’s wildest dreams’,” said Tiye, an AmeriCorps member who serves in the VISTA program. Watch as she shares how her family practices Juneteenth and what brings her joy.
Tiye's Juneteenth Video*Click here to watch to watch how Tiye's celebrates Juneteenth*

**What ways are you celebrating Juneteenth?**

No matter how you spend Juneteenth, whether in celebration, service, or learning more about our history, you can take part and experience the joy, community, and resilience that Juneteenth represents. Post your celebratory pictures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter – don't forget to tag @AmeriCorps!
          PreviousU.S. Department of Education Partners with AmeriCorps to Meet Educational Needs of StudentsNextGiving the Gift of Music Back to main content Sign up to hear about our latest news, events, and opportunities.
  Sign up for our newsletter
    Footer about
  

        
        About
                            What We Do
                Our Impact
                Our Team
                Careers
                Agency OverviewFooter serve
  

        
        Serve
                            AmeriCorps
                AmeriCorps Seniors
                Volunteer
                Find Your FitFooter partner
  

        
        Partner
                            How it Works
                Funding OpportunitiesFooter Members & Volunteers
  

        
        Members & Volunteers
                            Your Benefits
                Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
                Alumni
                Safety and SecurityFooter grantees & sponsors
  

        
        Grantees & Sponsors
                            eGrants
                History Checks
                LitmosFooter newsroom
  

        
        Newsroom
                            News
                Blog
                Stories
                Events
                In the News
                Communication Resources
      Bringing Americans together to serve communities

Follow us
  
  1-800-942-2677
            
    help@americorps.gov
    USA.gov / Office of Inspector General / FOIA and Privacy Act / Federal Register notices / No FEAR Act/ Employee Whistleblower Rights / Contractor and Grantee Whistleblower Rights / Office of Special Counsel / STOCK Act / Fraud Alert

Accessibility / Privacy policy / Site map / Donate / Join

**AmeriCorps.gov**
An official website of AmeriCorps. Produced and published at taxpayer expense. 
 You are leaving AmeriCorps.gov
 The website you’re going to is not part of the AmeriCorps domain and may not be under AmeriCorps’ control. Its privacy and security practices and policies may differ from AmeriCorps’. AmeriCorps is not responsible for the link, nor does it endorse the content of the third-party website. Click on the continue button to proceed to the external website; otherwise click cancel to stay on AmeriCorps.gov.
 Cancel Continue