What does it mean to be free in America? That’s the question Outdoor Afro - a national nonprofit with 56 networks across the country that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature - is hoping will be on everyone’s minds this Juneteenth.

What is Juneteenth?

On September 22, 1862 the Emancipation Proclamation was issued to free enslaved people all across the United States. However, back in the 19th century news moved pretty slowly and there was much resistance to the decree, especially in Texas, Kentucky and Delaware. Ultimately, it wasn’t until two and a half years after the Proclamation was signed that the Union Army was able to bring news of freedom to the 250,000 enslaved people in Texas on June 19th, 1865. And thus, Juneteenth was born.

While Juneteenth observations date back to 1866, it took another hundred years before the Texas legislature officially recognized Juneteenth as the holiday it is today. And thanks to the vocal efforts of activist groups in the summer of 2020, many American institutions and organizations announced that they would begin treating Juneteenth as a paid company holiday, sparking Google to add Juneteenth to all of their calendars. Today, Juneteenth is honored by institutions, communities and individuals all around the world.

Every year, on June 19th we take time to observe Juneteenth. This year, we’re joining Outdoor Afro as they commemorate these individuals by inspiring Black Americans, allies and businesses to spend 2.5 hours outside (representing the 2.5 years that 250,000 people in Texas were delayed from freedom) to reflect on what it means to be free in America.

Join Outdoor Afro the Juneteeth?

This coming Saturday, join us outdoors as we participate with Outdoor Afro and take part in their initiative. We’ll be dedicating two and a half hours of our time participating in our favorite outdoor activities, in an effort to connect with our local communities and nature as we reflect on Juneteenth and the long fight for freedom in our country.

On June 19th the Owl Labs community will be spending our day outdoors biking, hiking, doing yoga, painting in the park, connecting with friends and family under the sun and commemorating what it took to get us to this point in history. Afterwards, we look forward to sharing our thoughts and reflections with Outdoor Afro with the hashtag #JuneteenthWithOutdoorAfro and we encourage you to do the same. 

Thank you for taking the time to commemorate Juneteenth with us by becoming members of the Outdoor Afro community.