In observing Juneteenth (June 19, and celebrated as a federal holiday this year on June 20), we take time to celebrate, educate, and remind our community that there is still more work required to achieve racial equality in America. Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth marks the day slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas–two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
More from a blog post by CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.:
“Juneteenth is a reminder to remain critical about progress measured. We must continue to insist on digging deeper than performative appearances of progress and surface level solutions if we want to create actual change. Here at NAMI, we have begun the work to become a more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive organization. And we are continuing to intentionally create culturally competent mental health resources for communities of color. But our work is far from over.”
Learn more about mental health and black communities.