Honoring Juneteenth means recognizing the ongoing fight for equity and access, not just in history, but in our work today.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. They were the last people to learn of their freedom.
It’s a day of celebration, remembrance, and reflection.
It’s also a reminder that freedom must be accompanied by access to the resources that help people thrive. Resources like food, housing, and healthcare.
Freedom without access is incomplete.
Food insecurity doesn’t affect all communities equally. Black households in Tennessee are nearly twice as likely to experience hunger compared to white households. This disparity is rooted in generations of systemic inequity.
According to Feeding America, more than 26% of Black Middle and West Tennesseans are food insecure. Honoring Juneteenth means working to change that.
Second Harvest is committed to creating a hunger-free future that is equitable and inclusive. That means investing in underserved communities through programs like our Mobile Market. Supporting Black-led organizations like ConnectUs Ministries. Ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy and nourishing food no matter their identity.
On this day of reflection, we honor the past by continuing to fight for a better, more just future.
When honoring Juneteenth, remember food access is a right tied to dignity and freedom, not just charity.