06/19/2024
Meet Opal Lee, a Nobel Peace prize nominee and the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"! In 2016, at 95, she walked 2.5 miles from Fort Worth, TX, to D.C., collecting 1.5 million signatures to symbolize the 2.5 years it took for the Emancipation Proclamation to be enforced in Texas. Her campaign, "Opal's Walk to D.C.," was pivotal in making Juneteenth a national holiday.
06/18/2024
Juneteenth is a celebration of Black liberation and freedom. Itβs also a time for us to showcase and highlight Black culture. Here are a few movies and documentaries to stream in honor of this holiday.
06/17/2024
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, was not only an iconic professional boxer but also a significant figure in both the realm of faith and humanitarian efforts.
Ali's faith journey was deeply intertwined with his public persona and activism. Today is Eid al-Adha and we wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Eid. Eid al-Adha, also known as the βfeast of the sacrifice,β occurs approximately two months following Eid al-Fitr, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage. As a devout Muslim, he made the pilgrimage to Mecca, fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which reinforced his commitment to his faith.
Ali's legacy as a humanitarian is as enduring as his achievements in the boxing ring. His life was a testament to the power of conviction, the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, and the impact of compassion and charity in making the world a better place.
06/16/2024
Galveston- Birthplace of Juneteenth
As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston is overflowing with opportunities to dig deep into the history behind its celebration. Here are a few landmarks of interest:
Ashton Villa: Ashton Villa is one of the most significant landmarks associated with Juneteenth. It was from the balcony of this mansion that General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865, officially announcing the end of slavery in Texas.
Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church: This church is historically significant as it was one of the first locations where the newly freed African Americans gathered to celebrate Juneteenth. The church remains an active site for Juneteenth celebrations and commemorations.
Middle Passage marker at Pier 21: This marker commemorates enslaved Africans in Galveston during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and the millions of captive Africans who perished during the transatlantic slave trade known as the Middle Passage. Galveston was one of the 48 known ports of entry in the U.S. for enslaved Africans who survived the transatlantic crossing.
Juneteenth Marker: This stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought for freedom and equality. It is a significant site for reflection and celebration of African American heritage and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights.
06/15/2024
Al Edwards was an American politician and civil rights activist who served in the Texas House of Representatives for 13 terms. He is best known for his efforts to establish Juneteenth as an official state holiday in Texas. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. Edwards sponsored House Bill 1016, which was passed in 1979, making Texas the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. Throughout his career, Edwards was a dedicated advocate for civil rights and social justice.
06/14/2024
The Juneteenth flag, designed by activist Ben Haith in 1997, is rich with symbolism. The star represents Texas and the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states. The arc across the flag symbolizes a new horizon and opportunities. The red, white, and blue colors echo the American flag, emphasizing that formerly enslaved people and their descendants are Americans. The burst around the star signifies a nova, representing a new beginning and the end of slavery. This flag is a powerful emblem of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of the African American community.
06/13/2024
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks a pivotal moment in American historyβthe emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The U.S. government was slow to embrace the occasion β it was only in 2021 that President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday.
News that the war had ended and they were free finally reached Galveston when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in the Gulf Coast city on June 19, 1865, more than two months after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia. Granger delivered General Order No. 3, which said: βThe people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all enslaved people 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.β
Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the struggles for equality and justice that African Americans have faced and continue to face. It symbolizes resilience, progress, and the ongoing efforts needed to achieve full racial equality.
06/12/2024
Juneteenth fosters community bonding and solidarity, celebrating African American culture and heritage while honoring the contributions of African Americans to society.
This day encourages reflection on our shared history, fosters empathy, and inspires us to work towards a future where liberty and justice are truly universal. Join us for a week-long series celebrating Juneteenth.
3h
05/08/2024
Join HCIS for Youth Apprenticeship Week 2024! π Connect, learn, and celebrate with us during our special events:
Virtual Town Hall on May 8th π₯οΈ
YOUTH MEDICAL SCHOLARS APPRECIATION DAY on May 9thπ©Ί π and our
National Youth Apprenticeship Open House on May 10th. π
Reserve your spot now at https://bit.ly/hcis-yaw!