Happy Juneteenth!

This Saturday, June 19th is Juneteenth! Juneteenth is the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Gavelston, Texas in 1865, effectively freeing the last enslaved people in the United States. According to Juneteenth.com, “Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations...It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future...In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.”

Recognized in 47 of our 50 states as a state holiday, dozens of major companies and sports teams celebrate Juneteenth as a paid holiday, including Gold Fish Swim School in Evanston where our youngest swimmers have been practicing for the last 9 months. For the first time this year, the City of Chicago raised a Juneteenth flag in Daley Plaza to mark a week of celebrations across the city. Though we won’t be taking the day off as a team this year, we’d like to acknowledge the importance of this holiday as we continue to learn, grow and maintain a safe space for all athletes. Click here for ways you can celebrate at home or in your community!