On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. Juneteenth commemorates that day and invites us to remember both the long struggle for freedom and the ongoing work of justice.

As people of faith, we give thanks for those who persevered in hope and continue to work toward a world where all God’s children can live in dignity, freedom, and peace.

God of freedom,

for voices that would not be silenced,

for hope that would not die,

for courage that carried people forward,

we give you thanks.

May we remember,

may we learn,

and may we join in your work

of justice, healing, and liberation.

Amen.