Juneteenth: A celebration of freedom, dignity and workers united
On June 19, we commemorate the official freeing of the last enslaved Black people in the United States. This is a day of profound meaning to Black workers, as it should be to all working people who cherish and defend the freedom to live our own lives, speak with our own voices and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Juneteenth reminds us that we are independent of those who hire us, who seek to control us and who view us as objects with costs instead of as human beings with inherent dignity and worth. The Juneteenth holiday is also evidence of the great potential of our nation and that the inherent dignity and worth of all people is a right that should be celebrated by all Americans. Juneteenth represents our continued fight against labor exploitation and liberty and freedom for all Americans regardless of race.
We hope that Juneteenth will be not just a day off, but a "day on." Whether it's visiting a museum, attending a Juneteenth event, serving your community or championing a Black-owned business, we encourage all OCSEA members to advance your knowledge and deepen your awareness this Juneteenth weekend.
Find a museum or cultural center
Attend a Juneteenth Event
Champion a Black-owned business