Celebrating Juneteenth 365
We firmly believe that banking is a public good. Historically, systems have been put in place where some people feel like they belong, and others do not. For more than eight decades, we’ve invested in the financial and economic inclusion of all citizens.
Our efforts to celebrate and pour into the African American community do not stop with the Juneteenth holiday. In fact, our charge to lead with equity and inclusion is part of our DNA and how we humbly serve 365 days a year. In the process, we've been recognized as a leading Community Development Financial Institution and become one of the largest Black-owned credit unions in the nation.
While we are a majority African American-owned institution, our members come from every economic, geographic, and racial background. Everyone has an important place in history. We celebrate Juneteenth as well as the countless contributions and pivotal impact of African American culture 365 days a year. Whether you support a black owned business or take part in a local Juneteenth event, acknowledge this important aspect of American history. Learn more and reflect on its meaningful significance.
SLCCU is sponsoring the following event in celebration of Juneteenth:
The ART 2063 Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Festival
Juneteenth 2024
Missouri: Gateway to Freedom and Justice
Saturday, June 15
Forest Park, Cricket Field (5595 Grand Dr…63112)
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Be sure to stop by the SLCCU vendor table from to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as you experience all the Caribbean Heritage Festival has to offer! 
Click here to see more local Juneteenth events taking place in the community.
About Juneteenth
Also known as Emancipation Day and African American Freedom Day, Juneteenth marked the emancipation of all enslaved people on June 19, 1865. Its name was created by blending the words “June” and “Nineteenth.”
Facts
- Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration that honored the emancipation of all enslaved people. It took place on June 19, 1865.
- While the Emancipation Proclamation (an Executive Order) was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, it was not enforced. The states who seceded from the Union did not adhere to or acknowledge it. As a result, enslaved people in those particular states remained unfree.
- The Civil War ended in April 1865. On June 19 of that year, Union General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, TX to announce the end of the Civil War and state that enslaved people were now free.
- General Order No. 3 stated: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor."
Once the news reached Texas, approximately 250,000 enslaved people did not know that their freedom had been secured by the government.
- Historically, Juneteenth was celebrated with parades, spiritual singing, empowering speeches, cookouts, events in the African American church and family gatherings. During the festivities, attendees dressed in their finest attire. This move was made in an effort to combat laws that stated enslaved people could not wear nice clothes. Food was also in abundance. Strawberry soda was the beverage of choice. Strawberry pie and red velvet cake were served to commemorate the blood that was shed during slavery.
- In the 1870s, a group of formerly enslaved people got together with local churches and put $1,000 together to purchase 10 acres of land to create Emancipation Park. The site would then be used to host future Juneteenth celebrations in Houston.
- During the early 20th century, Juneteenth festivities began to decline. Due to segregation, African Americans could not use public spaces to celebrate. As a result, folks found spots by rivers and lakes.
- Juneteenth was revived during the Civil Rights Movement. It continues to gain momentum to this very day.
Resources
Articles
- History Stories: What is Juneteenth
- 10 Facts About Juneteenth
YouTube
- Juneteenth: What You Need to Know
- Why All Americans Should Celebrate Juneteenth
