Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a significant holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Juneteenth traces its roots back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, almost two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
This day holds immense importance for union members, as it represents a milestone in the fight for justice, equality, and human rights. Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights, equality, and social justice. Labor unions have played a vital role in fighting for these rights and the dignity of all workers.
On this Juneteenth, let us reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and work towards a future where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of race, gender, or background.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
