UFCW Honors Juneteenth: A Commitment to Freedom, Opportunity, and Worker Power

“On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas – creating the Juneteenth holiday we recognize today. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this Juneteenth, we are reminded that freedom has never been a destination reached once and for all. Each generation has been called upon to defend, expand, and broaden access to the freedoms and opportunities that define our nation.

“While tremendous progress has been made, the pursuit of full political and economic freedom continues. Efforts to weaken voting rights protections, restrict access to the ballot box, and dilute the political voice of Black communities remind us that progress is neither permanent nor guaranteed. Juneteenth calls on us to reflect on that history and recommit to advancing equal participation, representation, and opportunity for all.

“Our union, alongside the broader labor movement, has long provided a pathway to economic mobility, collective power, and greater opportunity for Black workers. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we rededicate ourselves to empowering every worker who seeks a voice on the job, strengthening collective bargaining agreements that help workers build economic security and generational wealth, and expanding opportunity for communities that have too often been denied it.

“Fully realizing the promise of Juneteenth requires ensuring every worker has a voice, a fair chance to succeed, and the opportunity to help shape their future. That is work worth doing together.”