Former President Joe Biden participated in a heartfelt Juneteenth celebration at the Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, where he emphasized a message of unity and hope. During his address, he reflected on the significance of Juneteenth, stating, “Juneteenth represents the long hard night of slavery and subjugation and the promise of the joyful morning to come.”
Biden’s presence in Galveston held special meaning, as this location is historically significant for marking the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers informed enslaved Black individuals in Galveston of their freedom, an event that directly led to the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021 when Biden signed the corresponding legislation.
The Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church, noted as the first and oldest operating AME church in Texas, serves as a central locus for celebrating Juneteenth. It’s where enslaved people gathered for worship and commemorates the proclamation that ended slavery in Texas. Reverend Lernette Patterson of the church described the celebration as deeply spiritual and communal, highlighting traditions such as the participation of the Buffalo Soldiers, reading proclamations, and ringing the church bell to announce freedom.
Biden’s visit marks his first since the federal recognition of Juneteenth and underscores an ongoing commitment to addressing issues of equality and justice in America. “Folks, I don’t only come here to commemorate the past, I come here because we know the good Lord is not done with us yet. We got work to do,” he proclaimed, inspiring attendees to continue the journey toward equality.
This year’s celebration not only honored the history of slavery but also looked forward to the continued struggle for civil rights, bringing together people to reflect on their shared history and aspirations. Events like these remind participants of their heritage and help foster a sense of community and activism.