Juneteenth marks the day in 1865, 160 years ago, when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day of remembrance, celebration, and renewed commitment to justice and equality.
At Solar Sister, we honor Juneteenth by reflecting on what freedom looks like today. For women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya, freedom often begins with something as simple and as powerful as light.
• It’s the freedom to safely cook meals for your family without inhaling toxic smoke.
• It’s the ability to earn an income, send your children to school, and shape your future.
• It’s giving access to clean and affordable energy to those who need it the most.
• It’s the dignity of building a business and becoming a pillar in your community.
These are the freedoms that Solar Sister entrepreneurs claim every day and the same spirit that Juneteenth calls us to uphold: a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
This year marks the fourth anniversary since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Learn more about Juneteenth and celebrate with the National Museum of African American History and Culture – @NMAAHC: nmaahc.si.edu/Juneteenth
Here is a short video history of Juneteenth by historian Heather Cox Richardson
Today, we celebrate that legacy and recommit ourselves to advancing freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all.