What Does Juneteenth Mean to PGP Staff

Juneteenth is a tribute to June 19th, 1865, when the last enslaved people learned of their freedom in Texas. It has evolved into a day of reflecting on and celebrating Black history and culture, while still recognizing the progress we have yet to make. The Petey Greene Program observes Juneteenth today, but acknowledges daily how race still plays a significant role into our carceral system and the work we do to support educational access for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. 

Here are reflections from some of our Petey Greene Program staff members on what Juneteenth means to them and our community. 

“I think June 19th was a pivotal point in our history. We celebrate and embrace remembrance of the history of slavery and freedom. Today people are still in slavery. We hide them in our prison systems and sweatshops so society doesn’t see how we still treat people under the disguise as work opportunities. By educating people of these systems we begin to end slave labor within our prisons.” - Lynne, Regional Manager, Massachusetts

“The only independence day I celebrate. Juneteenth represents everybody finally being free, to me it means hope and joy, the possibility that comes with the breaking of chains, and the beginning of new life.” - Taliya, Regional Manager, Pittsburgh

“It symbolizes a step in the right direction of racial and cultural equality.” - Lynwood, Director of Finance and Administration 

“Reflection, solidarity, summer barbecue, and a celebration of movement work that has led to inclusion (as the holiday is finally recognized by our government)” - Norma, Regional Manager, Washington D.C. 

“Emancipation, awareness, solidarity and a testament to what a united courageous people are capable of when they endure” - Charla, Executive Assistant 

“To me, Juneteenth represents a weary sense of hope. It is a celebration for the emancipation of Black slaves in the United States, and a celebration of Black and African cultures. The truth remains, however, that liberation has not come to Black people in America, and certainly not a century and a half ago. So while Juneteenth is a celebration of progress and expression, to put it simply, it is also a reminder that there is so much more to be done.” - Isaac, Summer Intern 

“As a white woman, Juneteenth stands for the need to constantly educate myself on the racist history of this country (and the rest of the world), while acknowledging the many ways in which racist structures are still predominant in our society today and actively work to combat them. I see this reflected in the work that we do at the PGP to educate volunteers (and ourselves) on the carceral state.” - Chiara, Director of Program Development 

“Juneteenth is a time for us to reflect on the journey of Black people in this country, to remind us of our accomplishments, and that there is still a lot of work to be done. We must remember and hold space for our ancestors who have died for us to be in the positions we are in today. Along with the work, Juneteenth allows us to make time to connect, come together as a community, and experience joy.” - Ayesha, Summer Intern 

“Juneteenth is a day to commemorate freedom delayed, much like the students that we work with are working towards their freedom dreams - even if their physical freedom may be delayed or impossible.” - Emma, Executive Director of Operations 

“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom. It represents an enduring commitment to the abolition of oppressive and dehumanizing systems and structures.” - Emma, Director of Curriculum and Training

“Juneteenth is still relatively new to me. I don't think I've had time to connect with it outside of agreeing that it is a day worth remembering for it's significance as a day of celebration, reflection, and remembrance for African Americans. I may not have personal experiences or emotions regarding this holiday yet, but I recognize the significance of Juneteenth as a day that marks the liberation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward justice and equality for all.” - Reginald, Regional Manager, New Jersey 

“Empowerment, autonomy, agency, direction. Juneteenth forces us to acknowledge and confront the fact that slavery never "ended" officially and all at once, like many are misled to believe. And moreso, that slavery has never fully ended but has evolved in its many forms of injustice. Juneteenth is also a celebration of the work, suffering, joy, and promise of Black communities across America and their allies.” - Marie, Regional Manager, Philadelphia 

“As a non-American, I only heard about Juneteenth when I came to the US. I think it's so important that in the US there is an official holiday dedicated to the freedom of black people, recognizing everything that they had to overcome to get to where we are today, but cognizant of everything that still needs to be done.” - Amy, Volunteer Coordinator, Washington D.C.