Archeologists find evidence of slavery being common even in prehistoric times. Slavery has been present on every continent, in virtually every human culture in recorded history. We often think of slavery as a uniquely American problem, but the sad reality is that slavery is one of the oldest human intuitions. In order to fully appreciate the signification of abolition in the United States, it is important to have some understanding of the history of slavery from a worldwide perspective.

Even though there are an estimated 27 million people still living in slavery today, it is important to not overlook the achievement of abolition in our own country. I feel a great sense of gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had as an American citizen, enhanced even more by my experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, seeing the people their struggling to maintain freedom, peace, and stability for their countries. The abolition of slavery is one of the greatest triumphs in American history and laid the foundation for the multi-cultural democracy that we enjoy today. I grew up knowing about Juneteenth even though I have no family ties to Texas the day had a status in my family as one worth remembering. The holiday officially commemorates the occasion of the last American slaves being set free in 1865 in Texas, following the Civil War.

Signed into law as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth, sometimes referred to as Emancipation Day, has a long tradition as a cultural holiday amongst black Americans.

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