Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the arrival of federal troops in Texas in 1865, which marked the announcement of freedom for all enslaved people in the United States. Known by various names such as Independence Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, largely due to the efforts of activist Opal Lee. Lee, often referred to as the \"grandmother of Juneteenth,\" embarked on a significant journey in 2016, walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the holiday's recognition. Her daily 2.5-mile trek symbolized the time it took for the news of liberation to reach Black Americans in Texas.

During a recent meeting, attendees honored the contributions of notable figures such as Sherman Wells, Hazaki Parudi, and Savi Sabbs, emphasizing the importance of recognizing those who have played pivotal roles in the ongoing fight for liberation. Kelly Merrill, deputy campaign manager for presidential candidate Jill Stein, expressed her privilege in working alongside activists dedicated to the causes of Black, Palestinian, and Indigenous sovereignty. The meeting concluded with an invitation for a discussion on Juneteenth, highlighting the significance of the holiday and the collective efforts toward social justice.