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Ruban Roberts, Branch President

Five important facts about Juneteenth This week marks the 155th anniversary June 19, 1865, marks the date that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. His announcement, General Order Number 3 reads: The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, celebrates the end of Slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation came 2½ years earlier on January 1, 1863, many slave owners continued to hold their slaves captive after the announcement, so Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African American freedom. Texans celebrated Juneteenth beginning in 1866, with community-centric events, such as parades, cookouts, prayer gatherings, historical and cultural readings, and musical performances.Over time, communities have developed their own traditions.   Some communities purchased land for Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston, TX. As families emigrated from Texas to other parts of the United States, they carried the Juneteenth celebrations with them.   On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday. Al Edwards, a freshman state representative, put forward the bill, H.B. 1016, making Texas the first state to grant this emancipation celebration. Although Juneteenth is not a federal holiday, 45 other states and the District of Columbia have also commemorated or recognized the day Information source: Congressional Research Service Report

On Juneteenth, NAACP and REVOLT TV have partnered to provide a safe space for Black families to convene in that same spirit. Join us on Friday, June 19 at 4 P.M. ET as the leaders of the new civil rights movement, celebrities, and other public figures come together for our Virtual Black Family Reunion. Sign up now to reserve your spot.

NAACP STATEMENT ON UNJUST KILLING OF RAYSHARD BROOKS 27-year old Rayshard Brooks was killed by an Atlanta Police officer on the evening of Friday, June 12, 2020. In light of this development, the NAACP released the following statement: From Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP: “Our prayers go out to the family and friends of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks of Atlanta, GA. It is unconscionable that a country still feeling the sting of the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, would be sitting here addressing another wound dealt to us by the those who have sworn to protect and serve. An oath or declaration from law-enforcement was once accompanied by confidence and expectation from the community. Sadly, that confidence has been marred under the stains of countless incidents in which deadly force by law-enforcement was resolved as the only resort, rather than the last resort. Rayshard Brooks did not deserve to die Friday night. Read the entire statement here.

Miami-Dade County Commission Districts 1 & 3 Candidate Town Hall Meeting Thursday, June 18, 2020 | 6:30 P.M. Register to attend here.

Greater Miami Jewish Federation Hosts Dialogue About Race: A Time For Understanding, A Time For Action - June 16 at 5:30 PM Join the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and a diverse group of community leaders for a virtual community gathering - Together, For A Common Cause. Event moderator by: Jacob Solomon, President & CEO Greater Miami Jewish Federation Register to attend here.

Amendment 4 Jones vs Desantis Voters Handout Link to voters handout available here.

Branch in Action

Miami-Dade Branch of the NAACP and the City of Opa-Locka joined together for Souls Take Control: Our Fight Against COVID-19 on June 7 The following branch members were in attendance providing information on hand hygiene; membership and civic engagement: Ruban Roberts, Branch President Carol Lawrence, Health Committee Chairwoman Avery Griffith, Membership Chairman Elisha Moultrie, Environmental Justice Chairwoman Dr. Michelle Moore, Civic Engagement

Register to attend here.