Michelle Obama: Honor Juneteenth’s Legacy By Registering To Vote

Michelle Obama says there’s no more “meaningful way” to mark Juneteenth than by registering to vote. She made a pitch on this via a tweet

“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom – a chance to pay tribute to countless advocates, activists, and changemakers and the work they did to build a more perfect Union,” Michelle Obama wrote.

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“I can’t think of a more meaningful way to honor the actions of so many who came before us than be registering to vote,” she added, including a link to the voter registration and engagement organization that she founded in 2018, When We All Vote.

Juneteenth holds significant historical importance as it marks the momentous occasion when Union forces freed the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas in 1865, a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. This powerful day, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, symbolizes the long-awaited realization of freedom and equality for African Americans.

The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021 is a testament to the nation’s commitment to acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery and embracing the ongoing journey towards racial justice and equality. This momentous occasion serves as a reminder of the progress made, while also highlighting the continued work that lies ahead in confronting systemic racism and promoting inclusivity for all.

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Former President Obama also paid tribute to Juneteenth in a Monday message. “On Juneteenth, we commemorate the anniversary of the delayed but welcome news of freedom reaching the enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas,” he tweeted.

“It’s a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there is cause to hope – and a reason to keep building a country that lives up to its highest ideals.”