“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude…shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” — Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863

With these immortal words, the nation was, even during the Civil War, on the road to a new day, one abolishing the brutality of slavery. It wasn’t until February 1, 1865, with the 13th Amendment’s passage, that a newly re-united USA was able to enforce Reconstruction. Yet the unthinkable happened across some western states, and particularly for the enslaved quarter-million of Galveston Bay, Texas forcibly kept in bondage until federal troops arrived nearly five months later, announcing their liberation by executive decree.

The struggles of history, even those carrying such significant pain, must be ingrained in the memory as a lesson, a strengthening, as the means to rebuild and oppose future offenses. With this, the idea of a Juneteenth — the final freeing of enslaved people on June 19, 1865 — was demarcated.

Like many progressive organizations, Local 802 gives the holiday due respect with an office closure, thus, as we did last year, our commemoration occurs just in advance of Juneteenth. Please come to the 802 Club Room on TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 6:30 PM for a very special free concert by THE DANNY MIXON TRIO. The noted jazz pianist/composer will be joined by bassist Bryce Sebastian and drummer Chuck Ferruggia for a fiery post-bop set. But we will begin the evening with guest speakers including a representative from the hip hop community and a keynote speaker by PROFESSOR HENRY (HANK) WILLIAMS who will offer an address on the Black Arts Movement. We expect this to be a particularly special occasion and certainly hope you will join us.