Juneteenth is recognized as the day that slavery was abolished in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the enslaved people in Texas were the last to get word that slavery had been legally abolished in the United States more than two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. This day has been celebrated by the Black community for years, and in light of current events, the Williamsburg Action Team is seeking to make this historic day a public holiday in the small city of Williamsburg, KY. 

The Williamsburg Action Team is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting diversity, economic development, and literacy in our community. One way we seek to uphold these values is by engaging in local social justice and community development endeavors. As Williamsburg is home to many, the Black community has not always felt welcome here or in the Southeastern KY area. By making Juneteenth a public holiday in our city, more people will feel welcome and educated about significant historical and social issues.

Please sign your name and raise your voice to assist us as we encourage Williamsburg to live up to its motto for all citizens: “Feels Like Home.” 

Check out our website at www.williamsburgactionteam.com for more details!