Our Motto

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris signed a bill into law on Thursday, June 17, to make June 19th a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. The bill, which was passed overwhelmingly by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday after clearing the Senate unanimously, marks the day in 1865 when a Union general informed a group of enslaved people in Texas that they had been made free two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War.

As the White House pushes to address the country’s historical injustices, we must stay vigilant. There is still much to do before Black Lives Matter is a reality for all of us. President Biden noted, “The truth is, it’s not…enough just to commemorate Juneteenth. After all, the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans didn’t mark the end of America’s work to deliver on the promise of equality; it only marked the beginning.” And journalist Monique Judge articulated the moment eloquently when she wrote: “Imagine making Juneteenth a federal holiday when laws are being enacted all over the country that will prevent people from being taught why it’s a holiday.”

When celebrating Juneteenth with your family, include oral stories or readings of the history of your ancestors.

June is the month for dads, grads, and summer fun (including family reunions). And this year is shaping up to be more accommodating towards celebrations than last year. Dads are an important part of our family structure—all year long. And while they often get shortchanged on gifts, cards and time with the kids, let’s do our best not to take them for granted. Let’s embrace, encourage, enjoy, and show them much love. (And if your own dad is not around to be the recipient of our expressions of love, search out another family dad, particularly elders. I’m sure they’d appreciate the extra attention.)

The month of June is significant not only because of Father’s Day on June 20th, but for Juneteenth, (also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day), an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery. Loving Day, an annual celebration held on June 12th, the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia which struck down all anti-miscegenation laws remaining in sixteen U.S. states. And World Refugee Day, June 20, identified by the United Nations to raise public awareness about refugee's situations throughout the world.

June is also the month for the Army’s Birthday, National SAFE Day, Let It Go Day, Forgiveness Day, Say Something Nice Day, Hug Holiday, Make Life Beautiful Day, Sauntering Day (meaning: slow down and take it easy), World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, Nature Photography Day, National Nursing Assistants Week, Men’s Health Week, Community Health Improvement Week, National Garden Week, National Play Catch Week, Great Outdoors Month, along with so much more.

This June is starting out to be a month of getting back to “normal”. Here’s hoping you and your family are able to spend more time together celebrating family dads. We hope 2021 grads are able to celebrate their accomplishments by donning caps and gowns and walking down aisles. And we’re hopeful we all get to spend a plentiful amount of time with family, at reunions, and having fun. Let’s continue to be safe until we’re sure that all those we come in contact with have been vaccinated. So don’t forget your masks, social distancing, or washing your hands. Be safe. Stay well. And enjoy the Summer.

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HAPPENING NOW:
· Practical Family Reunion Planning

· Reunion Tip of the Month

· Family Time

· Worth Repeating for Grads

· Father’s Day Poem: Perfect Dad Blend

· Graduation Poem: Always be a Student
 

LATER THIS MONTH:

· Sticky Reunion Situation

· ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)