A Celebration for Everyone!

June 19th marks the observance of Juneteenth, and my excitement is through the roof! I look forward to the many opportunities to immerse myself in history, culture and food, get close to family and friends, and, of course, have fun! All while staying centered on paying homage to a pivotal time in this nation's rich history.

On June 19th, or “Juneteenth,” we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

Opal Lee, widely regarded as the “Mother of Juneteenth,” was born in Marshall, Texas, in 1926. Her family moved to Fort Worth, where she watched as 500 rioters burned down her home, angry at the family for moving into a predominantly white neighborhood.

The fire took place on Juneteenth—June 19, 1939—and the significance of the date wasn’t lost on Lee. Juneteenth was not recognized as an official holiday until very recently. It was through her relentless efforts, a true community hero, that we now have this formal recognition.

Lee dedicated her life to civil rights and the recognition of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, TX. Texas was among the last U.S. states to receive word of the ending of slavery. At the tender age of 89, Ms. Lee led a march from Fort Worth, TX, to Washington, DC. Five months, 1400 miles, and 1.25 million petition signatures later, the federal recognition of Juneteenth was born.

At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we are proud to be the community place that celebrates the rich tapestry, the unique experiences and the history of all in the communities we serve. During this Juneteenth holiday, check out the many offerings, activities, celebrations and commemorations across Hampton Roads. Hopefully, I will see you at one! Look for me! I'll be the one eating delicious food, dancing like nobody's watching, and soaking in the revelry. And of course, I will do it all in my Y t-shirt!!

Rodrigua Ross is the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. A true catalyst for change, Rodrigua has dedicated her career to enhancing the visibility, viability and impact of YMCAs in diverse communities.