Juneteenth, a portmanteau of the words June and nineteenth, is a day honoring the end of slavery in the United States.
On June 19, 1865, Union army general Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, and informed slaves that the Civil War had ended and slavery was abolished. Though President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, the remote geography of Texas meant that it was the last state in the Confederacy to receive the news.
Today, an increasing number of companies, including pro sports leagues and teams, are recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday in support of the black community and following widespread protests around the world against racial injustice and police brutality.
Much of the sports world took to social media Friday to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth. Below is a sample of what was shared.
NBA
Join the NBA family in honoring #Juneteenth, the oldest national holiday commemorating emancipation from slavery in the United States. pic.twitter.com/eXWjm5Ssh3
— NBA (@NBA) June 19, 2020
It. Can't. Wait.
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) June 19, 2020
Trail Blazers players, coaches & staff speak out. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jRoOlI1JCL
The Houston Rockets organization will reflect, celebrate, and educate today in honor of #Juneteenth. pic.twitter.com/JTv6dJAmN8
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 19, 2020
#Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/giZh8g78Ex
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) June 19, 2020
We are at a time where our entire nation has to face the ugly history of the United States of America. Systemic racism continues to deprive, harm, and hinder Black people. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 19, 2020
Reclaiming and properly honoring Juneteenth as a national holiday to celebrate the freedom of all Black Americans in the United States is a win for all of America.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 19, 2020
NFL
We've never posted about Juneteenth, but it is always the right time to do better than before.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 19, 2020
Today is a reflection of freedom, a day to celebrate and educate. pic.twitter.com/BOsLIEdwc5
"'Juneteenth' represents the strength and the power of the African American community." - @nateburleson pic.twitter.com/tL6cO6JXgW
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 19, 2020
Our offices will be closed this Friday as we observe #Juneteenth and encourage more listening, understanding and reflecting. pic.twitter.com/RYFHnTVz9I
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 17, 2020
#Packers to close offices & businesses Friday in observance of Juneteenth: https://t.co/Jf9lbIRK4u pic.twitter.com/odd2WjYqpr
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) June 17, 2020
MLB
#JUNETEENTH2020 pic.twitter.com/bSjTWJuRFg
— MLBPA (@MLB_PLAYERS) June 19, 2020
We listen, we learn and we unlearn. We renew our purpose and we take action. #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/v662doQeaM
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2020
Today, we celebrate and honor the history of June 19, 1865 and recognize #Juneteenth as an opportunity to listen, learn and grow. pic.twitter.com/qIOVoRGSWO
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 19, 2020
Today we reflect on what this day means to our history, our current society and our future. #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/DqzALvbwFM
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) June 19, 2020
Join me in signing the petition to make #Juneteenth, the day commemorating the abolition of slavery in 1865, a National Holiday. https://t.co/AIWqLxqwdJ #ThePlayersAlliance pic.twitter.com/vJQcROX0sW
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 19, 2020
#Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/rDUzkCkuMU
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 19, 2020
NHL
In recognition of the #Juneteenth holiday, @NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement. pic.twitter.com/mMon90GO0n
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 19, 2020
In recognition of #Juneteenth, we will be closing our offices today after the conclusion of our weekly All-Staff meeting. pic.twitter.com/ovLatca0OM
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 19, 2020
On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas were free- two and a half years after slavery was abolished in the United States. On Juneteenth, we celebrate Black liberation. #Juneteenth ✊🏿🙏🏿❤️ pic.twitter.com/26jx5fdDfx
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) June 19, 2020
NCAA
In our own words.#Juneteenth I #LetsWork pic.twitter.com/QflZUYU15G
— OSU Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) June 19, 2020
We stand today, tomorrow, forever. #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/WuXpA6kF1w
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) June 19, 2020
Today we celebrate freedom
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) June 19, 2020
Have a proud and happy #Juneteenth! pic.twitter.com/UrTjRbsr4D
Soccer
We will pause business operations for the day to reflect on recent events in our country that have shed light on systemic racism and inequality. This time will be used to continue to educate ourselves so we can expand our efforts, including future Juneteenth initiatives. pic.twitter.com/mOvi2QMmBJ
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 19, 2020
#Crew96 offices will be closed and first team training postponed today in observance of #Juneteenth.
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) June 19, 2020
We encourage supporters to join us and take time to reflect, listen, learn, and take action in our community.
