On behalf of COHHIO’s Racal Equity Committee (REC) we want to wish you a Happy Juneteenth – also known as Freedom Day. June 19, 2021 marks 156 years since enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom in Galveston, Texas, two months after the Confederate States surrendered.
Historically, this day is the celebration of the freedom of bondage from the horrific institution of chattel slavery and a time to reflect on our history. On this day we recognize the resiliency of African Americans and the fight for justice and liberation. On this day we consider how America’s history has shaped, and continues to influence, our society today.
We would be remiss to not acknowledge the injustices that continue to this day specifically in the homelessness and housing world. COHHIO’s REC has been working with R.E.A.C.H Ohio to address the inequities in the homeless system (learn more here.)
We continue to fight for housing justice and applaud recent progress, like the recent reinstatement of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule and the great work in other communities like Chicago, which is using the housing tax credit program to advance racial equity. But we still have a lot of work to do. We encourage you all to find celebrations/events in your communities on June 19.
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