This year American citizens across the nation, of different
races and creeds, are recognizing for the first time the importance of Juneteenth, a holiday marking the day when
the enslaved people of Texas learned they were free and commemorating the
emancipation of all African Americans. The National Puerto Rican Agenda
rejoices in this national awakening and joins hands with our African American
brothers and sisters in this celebration of heritage and liberation.
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation
which went into effect on January 1, 1863, three years into the American
Civil War. Ten years later, on March 22, 1873, Spain abolished slavery in Puerto Rico, setting free over
29,000 human beings or 5% of the population. As in the United States,
freedom did not come immediately nor was it entirely the result of the work
of the abolitionists. The enslaved people of Puerto Rico gradually
subverted the system through acts of rebellion and resistance.
Today, after weeks of protest and further national trauma
from recent events, we join in this momentous occasion of
unity, compassion and heartfelt fellowship with Americans throughout the
nation. Earlier this month, the National Puerto Rican Agenda called for national legislation to mandate an end to
unchecked police brutality. We will continue to press and protest for change
until we create a new law enforcement climate where police are held
accountable, the rights of the citizenry are respected, and all American
citizens receive equal treatment and protection from law enforcement
agencies.
![]() National Puerto Rican Agenda http://www.puertoricanagenda.org/ |
Friday, June 19, 2020
Puerto Rican and Black Emancipation. The Importance of Juneteenth.
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