Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, said “I don’t want people to think that celebrating freedom via Juneteenth is just about a Black holiday or just a Texas holiday. It’s about knowing that we all have a stake in making this the best country in the world.”

This is what Communities In Schools of New Mexico does, especially our Site Coordinators. We work with youth to help them reach their potentials and goals. We create community that lifts everyone up and supports them while they rise. CIS NM serves as an engine towards equity. -Rebecca Estrada, CIS New Mexico Board President

Juneteenth, considered our second Independence Day, marks the day emancipation reached the deepest areas of the South, where slavery continued despite the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 until June 19th, 1865. June 19th, or Juneteenth, became a federal holiday in June 2021, when the National Independence Day Act passed the House and Senate and was signed into law.

CIS of New Mexico honors and acknowledges our history on this important holiday, as we contemplate the steps toward liberty that have been taken as well as those we still must take to push back against the forces that continue to undermine the wellbeing and freedom of African Americans in our country.

“One thing is certain: Finding the gumption to face our history, connect it to current events, and take action remains as crucial as ever.” – Caitlin Smith, facinghistory.org

Thank you for being #Allinforkids with us in this work!

With Gratitude,
The CISNM Team