Tomorrow is Juneteenth. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, yet slavery still existed in America for another 87 years. Even after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, it took two more years for the last people to be freed - in Galveston, TX. on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
There is a parade of performative progress happening, both within the Performing Arts and our government. We need tangible action from our nation's leadership in the form of bills, and real change particularly in the arena of education surrounding the true history of systemic racism in our country.
Juneteenth is now a federal holiday. To honor this day with more than just a hashtag, AGMA will recommit to exploring the ways our union can better support Black Artists, and the ways in which racism can be unlearned and dismantled in our industries.