As a kid I loved history. It was my favorite subject. I would often go to my neighborhood public library to find books and photographs that would give me insight into how people lived, what they ate, how they dressed, and what music they listened to.

Although history books are full of stories of great and not-so-great people who came before us, sometimes the complete stories are missing. One that was missing from my history books was the story of Juneteenth.

On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger delivered the news in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War was over, and that the enslaved were no longer the property of their enslavers. Galveston was the last stronghold of slavery; in a final act of cruelty, enslavers withheld the news of Robert E. Lee’s surrender two months earlier. But still, we celebrate.

Even though many decided to leave the plantations to seek better opportunities elsewhere, they left with only their hopes and dreams and the clothes on their backs. Nothing more. When I think about this reality, I can’t help but get emotional.

I cannot imagine the feelings of fear and worry about what to do next, knowing that the odds are so stacked against you, but also the feelings of joy and excitement about reclaiming your agency, voice, and dignity.

It is truly a miracle that so many people survived. But those formerly enslaved were not made whole, and the lack of restitution/reparations ensured lives of poverty for generations to come.

In 2021, the Biden administration made Juneteenth a federal holiday, acknowledging the importance of this day—America’s second Independence Day.

In 2018, I became a first-time mom to a baby born on June 19th. The significance and weight of the day took on a whole new and important meaning. It has made me redouble my commitment and resolve to fight for freedom—not just for my children but for people everywhere. I want my children to associate this joyful holiday with pride in who we are as a people, and how deserving of freedom we are and have always been.

While I am sad that I didn’t grow up with the story of Juneteenth, I am hopeful that, now that it is a recognized federal holiday, future generations will have ample cause to celebrate—knowing that while we are not there yet, we are marching toward a brighter tomorrow for all.