This Juneteenth, we hope you’ll follow the lead of Outdoor Afro and get into nature to reflect on what it means to be free.
"'We can't lose sight of what Juneteenth is truly about,' said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in a release. 'There's this false narrative of what the holiday symbolizes. Traditionally, America has recognized this day as a 'celebration' to the end of slavery in the United States—but that is not accurate.' In reality, June 19, 1865, is the date 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free. What appeared as 'good' news was a memo the enslaved finally received two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation (signed Jan. 1, 1863) went into effect."
"'Outdoor Afro is correcting this narrative by sharing this history across the country,' said Outdoor Afro's COO Joseph Mouzon. 'To honor this day, we encourage our local communities, partners, supporters, and regional networks to just spend time in nature. Whether that's at a nearby beach, public park, or your own backyard.'"
