Mediaboss Marketing

Today marks an important day in history. On June 19th, 1865 (known now as Juneteenth), federal orders proclaimed the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African-Americans in the American Confederacy. As a celebration of the freedom of Black people, the day serves as an important reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, and celebrities are taking to their social media platforms to remind us, as well.

Former First Lady and national treasure (international treasure?), Michelle Obama, took to Twitter Friday to tell her followers what the day means to her. As usual, her words were eloquent, and began by paying tribute to the history of the continued movement. Most of us were taught that slavery came to an end when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But as is so often the case, the full promise of this country was delayed for segments of the African-American community. And for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, freedom didnt come until June 19th, 1865.

Continuing on, Michelle explained, What I love about Juneteenth is that even in that extended wait, we still find something to celebrate. Even though the story ha never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress.

Michelle shared that she cant help but think of her own family through this lens, recognizing that both her grandfathers were the grandchildren of enslaved people, growing up in the Jim Crow South and later migrating north for a better life. But then they pressed forward with dignity and with purpose, raising good kids, contributing to their communities, and voting in every election, she went on. And even though they didnt live to see it themselves, I can see the smiles on their faces knowing that their great-granddaughters end up playing ball in the halls of the White House a magnificent structure built by enslaved Americans.

The Becoming author then followed up her tweet with another, asking her followers to join her in the pledge to use our voices and our votes to keep marching towards freedom.

Obama, of course, chimed in as well. In his tweet, the POTUS linked to an article titled Why Juneteenth Matters, and explained that Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. Its a celebration of progress. Its an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possibleand there is still so much work to do.

The Obama family joins the likes of many other political figures and celebrities who have taken to social media today to vocalize the importance of the day; many of whom noted that it should be deemed a national holiday.

Actress Lupita Nyongo shared her thoughts with her Twitter followers. Public holidays indicate the moments in history that are important to a nation and the values they hold dear. Recognizing #Juneteenth nationally would be one more way to acknowledge the intrinsic value of Black people and their history to the wealth and prosperity of the USA.

Earlier this week, Pharrell Williams spoke at a press conference in support of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams call to make June 19th, an official state holiday commemorating the end of slavery. The musician told the audience, This is our chance to lead, to truly embrace the importance of Juneteenth and treat it as a celebration of freedom that black people deserve.

Selena Gomez, who has been using her platform to amplify black voices over the past two weeks, shared a heartfelt message yesterday, thanking the black community for their knowledge, eagerness to teach and commitment to ensuring Black voices are not silenced and urged all to mark Juneteenth. Please take the day to have conversations with your family and friends about the importance of Black Lives Matter and how we all need to join together to ensure equality and justice and then continue these conversations every day!

Read this article:
Michelle Obama shares what Juneteenth means to her - The Loop