Honoring Juneteenth: Freedom Means a Home, a Meal, and a Future

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War—and to finally enforce the emancipation of over 250,000 enslaved Black people who had remained in bondage. That day, now known as Juneteenth, marks a profound moment in American history: one of delayed justice, hard-fought freedom, and the beginning of a long and ongoing journey toward equality.

Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone—it is a celebration of Black resilience, joy, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of oppression. It is also a solemn reminder that freedom was never freely given—and it has never been fully realized for all.

Over 150 years later, the deep scars of slavery are still visible in the fabric of our society. Systemic racism, rooted in that original injustice, continues to affect Black communities across the country—in education, healthcare, employment, criminal justice, and housing. These are not isolated issues; they are interconnected, and their impact is cumulative.

The Ongoing Legacy: How Housing Injustice Is Racial Injustice

One of the most devastating and visible legacies of this inequality is homelessness. Black Americans are significantly overrepresented in the homeless population—not because of individual choices, but because of historical and structural forces: redlining, housing discrimination, mass incarceration, wage gaps, and a social safety net that often fails the most vulnerable. Black Americans make up nearly 40% of the homeless population, despite representing just 13% of the U.S. population. This disproportionate impact is no accident. The effects of these systems compound over time, making it harder for Black families to secure safe housing, access essential care, or break the cycle of poverty.

Housing is not just about shelter—it is about dignity, opportunity, and stability. I am a proud descendant of George Young, who served in the 11th United States Colored Infantry during the Civil War. Thanks to him and countless others, I have opportunities that were denied to him and millions of other African Americans. And yet, the struggle he fought for continues today. As we honor Juneteenth, we must confront these ongoing disparities. This day calls us not only to remember the past, but to actively build a more just future—where no child sleeps hungry, no family is left without a home, and no person is excluded from the promise of freedom.

Holding his service records in my hands, I’m reminded that his fight was not in vain. Today, I honor his memory and ensure his legacy endures through the telling of his story. He will not be forgotten.

In Solidarity, 

Shawn Hays

Founder and Executive Directors 

Henning Inc.