Houston Airports team members participated in a virtual Juneteenth Celebration with the Emancipation Park Conservancy located in District D.
“As part of HAS’ Strategic Priorities, it is important to achieve social sustainability," said Chief Community Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold. "This outreach supports the aviation community to develop processes and strategies which not only meet the needs of the traveling public but also to maintain a healthy community at large."
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863.
Lucy Bremond, Executive Director of Emancipation Park Conservancy and her team created the campaign #WeAreJuneteenth. This is a national campaign that celebrates Juneteenth and its connection to the African American experience including the history, traditions, heritage and culture. This campaign is a collaborative movement that highlights the strides and impact African Americans are making toward their own economic, educational and community advancements. Emancipation Park Conservancy raised over $50,000 with over 10,000 participants engaging in its programming across various digital platforms. They also thanked the Houston Airport System for its partnership and support.