Juneteenth — recognized annually on June 19 — is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This year marks the 157th year of its recognition and first anniversary as a federal holiday – nationally acknowledging slavery as core to the historical oppression and persistent inequities impacting Black communities across the United States. 

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, which opened wide the lens on injustice, President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021 signed into law a national declaration of America acknowledging its past.  

The recognition and celebration of Juneteenth is an important moment to pause with the thought that not all Americans were free when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776. While traditionally celebrated as the nation’s transition to freedom, not all were free or citizens. The coming of freedom would remain long and deceptive for slaves for another 87-89 years, during which time the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on Jan. 1, 1863, declaring all enslaved people in states engaged in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” It was news that reached Galveston, in the Confederate state of Texas, two-and-a-half years later on June 19, 1865. The day marked and celebrated still today as “Juneteenth,” also known as Freedom Day and Jubilee. Five months later the 13th Amendment was adopted, formally abolishing slavery. 

The diversity of families is rooted in First 5 LA’s work. As is the measure of inequities that marginalize families and their access to needed systems and services. This Juneteenth and throughout each year we lift-up important work still before us and this nation to end racial disparities and celebrate equity for all.

Support your child’s curiosity and understanding of racial equity and Black history in America. Follow the link for events and resources.

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Child & Family Progress Project Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

POSTING DATE: AUGUST 20, 2025 DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) ELIGIBLE PROPOSERS Proposers must meet the following minimum requirement(s): The selected organization must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience designing and executing...

First 5 LA August Board Meeting: Navigating the Shifting Landscape

First 5 LA August Board Meeting: Navigating the Shifting Landscape

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer August 19, 2025 First 5 LA’s Board of Commissioners met on August 14, 2025, for an information-only session centered on the urgency of planning for the future in the midst of a rapidly changing policy landscape. Commissioners heard...

First 5 LA August Board Meeting: Navigating the Shifting Landscape

First 5 LA Board Approves Budget for FY 2025-26

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer August 5, 2025 First 5 LA's Board of Commissioners convened in person for its monthly meeting on June 12, 2025. Highlights of the meeting included the approval of the FY 2025-26 Budget and Long-Term Fiscal Plan, as well as several...

An Absolute Equality: Celebrating Juneteenth

An Absolute Equality: Celebrating Juneteenth

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer June 10, 2025 Nine hundred days. That's how long the dream of freedom was deferred for the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas. Although President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, it...

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