At Dordick Law, we believe that justice is more than a legal concept; it is a human right that shapes the core of our communities. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we reflect on a critical piece of American history, recognize the ongoing fight for equality, and recommit ourselves to the values that define our firm: justice, compassion, and community. 

What is Juneteenth? 

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the day when freedom finally reached the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate states were legally free, the proclamation could not be enforced in areas still under Confederate control. As a result, in Texas, the westernmost and one of the most remote Confederate states, enslaved people remained in bondage for more than two years after emancipation had been declared. 

That changed on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced by executive order that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were now free. 

Juneteenth has become a powerful annual celebration of Black freedom, resilience, and the continuing pursuit of justice and equity in America. 

In 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday, offering the entire nation a chance to honor the resilience of those who endured slavery and to reflect on our collective progress and the work that still lies ahead. 

Why Juneteenth Matters Today 

Juneteenth is not just a history lesson; it is a call to action. It asks us to consider how far we've come as a nation, and how far we still need to go to achieve real racial equity and justice. 

The truth is that the legacy of slavery did not end that day in 1865. It evolved through sharecropping, Jim Crow laws, segregation, discriminatory laws, systemic inequality, and disproportionate treatment within our justice system. For many Americans, especially within Black communities, freedom and justice is conditional, something that continues to be fought for generation after generation. 

Juneteenth serves as a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied, and that true equality and justice for all require persistence and a collective effort. 

Reflecting on Our Role 

Juneteenth gives us a reason to pause and reflect, not only on the past, but also on our continued responsibility to shape the future. At Dordick Law, we are proud to fight for justice and stand alongside those fighting systemic discrimination in and outside the legal system. We hope that by honoring days like Juneteenth, we keep important conversations alive, educate one another, and move with greater intention toward equity and inclusion for all.