Today is Juneteenth. For those who might be new to the meaning of this day, it marks the ending of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, those enslaved in Galveston, Texas were informed by Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, that they were now free. The Civil War continued for over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s proclamation and order that declared “that all persons held as slaves…are, and henceforward shall be free.” Two months after the end of the war, the Union troops were finally able to make it to Texas, the final place where the news had not reached, and the near 200,000 slaves were told they were free. Juneteenth is a day not just of celebration, but of activism and action.
It is encouraged that you take some time to learn more, not only about Juneteenth, but about being an ally and striving for equality.
The Steel Army is a family. We are learning. Don’t just be better of yourself, but demand better of others. Systematic racism is real and Black Lives Matter.
We have created a design to support the cause. ALL profits (the amount of profit varies per item) will be donated to SisTers PGH, the same group behind the GoFundMe for our Prideraiser. As a black trans-led organization, SisTers PGH has taken their focus to the black trans community during the Black Lives Matter movement. The design and link to order is below. If you would rather donate directly to SisTers PGH or take further action, please visit here: https://www.sisterspgh.org/take-action
https://teespring.com/stores/steel-army
