On this day, the Nevada State Education Association continues to honor those who work tirelessly towards the goals of freedom and equality for African Americans, including educational, economic, and social equality. As educators, we celebrate what this day teaches us about our past, so we can focus on our future.
Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, 1865, the day that the Union Army came to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas. By that date, the Civil War had already been over for more than two months. It had also been more than 2 years since the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Emancipation was not a single event; emancipation was a process. To this day, that delay is still symbolic of the resistance from some individuals to freedom and equality for all.
Juneteenth allows us to not only rejoice in African American freedom and achievement but also reflect on the practices and systems we have throughout our country. Juneteenth is a time for assessment and self-improvement. Even in 2021, we are still fighting structural racism, including Jim Crow voter suppression. While some progress in addressing hate and racism has been made, there is a great deal of work left undone. To create a more perfect union, we must continue learning and reflecting on our history and the deep-rooted racism that still exists.
As educators, we must demand a better and more just world because our field demands it of us. It is inherent in what we do each and every day. We are privileged to have the opportunity to shape society by working with students as they grow and develop their values and world views. We pledge to continue breaking down oppressive racist systems that harm our members, hold back our students, and tarnish our communities. We make this pledge because our students, our educators, and our communities need us to.
