On June 18, members from across SEIU 1021 gathered in Sacramento for a Juneteenth celebration hosted by the union’s Social and Economic Justice (SEJ) Committee. The event brought together members from chapters throughout Northern California and from all walks of life to celebrate Black history, culture, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice.

Juneteenth, a blend of the words June and nineteenth, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, freedom was not immediately realized for many enslaved people, particularly in Texas, where slavery continued despite the proclamation. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the more than 250,000 still enslaved Black people were free, marking the final enforcement of emancipation and becoming a lasting symbol of liberation, resilience, and hope.

Today, Juneteenth honors the strength and perseverance of Black Americans while reminding us that the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice continues. For union members, the observance serves as a powerful reminder that civil rights and workers’ rights are deeply connected and that collective action remains one of the strongest tools for building a more equitable future.

SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford opened the celebration by reflecting on the importance of unity and dignity during challenging times. “As we celebrate Juneteenth, we celebrate dignity. We celebrate the right to be here, the right to be treated with respect, and the right to know that we exist and no one can tell us any differently,” Rutherford said. “We are the evidence of our ancestors’ courage and sacrifice. That’s the power we possess, and that’s why we will continue to thrive.”

AFRAM Chair Derrick Boutte also welcomed attendees and helped set the tone for a day centered on reflection, solidarity, and community.

One of the most moving moments of the celebration came when SEIU 1021 member Angela Thomas led attendees in the historic Negro spiritual “No More Auction Block for Me.” First published in Slave Songs of the United States in 1867, the song is one of the earliest documented African American spirituals and freedom songs. Its lyrics reflect both the pain endured by enslaved people and their enduring hope for liberation and freedom.

SEJ Chair Phelicia Jones and other members of the SEJ Committee emceed the festivities and reminded attendees of the importance of standing together in the face of adversity. “Juneteenth means coming together and letting the world know that we’re in this together,” Jones said. “Whatever the challenge, whatever the fight, we have to face it together.”

For Paul Belladain, SEJ community liaison, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and the responsibility to continue their work. “Juneteenth reminds us that progress only comes when people continue to fight for justice,” Belladain said. “We honor our ancestors by carrying that struggle forward and never giving up.”

Anthony Tyrone Mills, an SEJ community liaison, reflected on the importance of leadership through example. “Juneteenth reminds me that our actions speak louder than words,” Mills said. “We honor those who came before us by demonstrating integrity, uplifting our communities, and setting a positive example for future generations.”

SEJ Sergeant-at-Arms Steve Clark connected the history of Juneteenth to the ongoing work of organized labor. “Juneteenth reminds us of where our struggle began and how far we still have to go,” Clark said. “Strong unions help working people fight injustice, create change, and ensure that the progress won by previous generations is protected for those who come after us.”

The celebration also featured music, dancing, fellowship, and a meal from Sacramento soul food restaurant Fixins Soul Kitchen. Members in attendance received a limited-edition SEIU 1021 Juneteenth commemorative T-shirt designed around this year’s theme: “Celebrating Our Freedom; The Fight for Freedom Continues.”

As members shared food, stories, and community, the event served as both a celebration of Black freedom and a reaffirmation of SEIU 1021’s commitment to racial, social, and economic justice. The gathering reflected the enduring spirit of Juneteenth: honoring the past, celebrating the present, and continuing the collective fight for a more just future.