06/19/2026
This Juneteenth, we honor freedom, resilience, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, it serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the continued work of advancing opportunity and belonging for all.
At Wellspring, this year marks our 10th year of recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth. What began in 2016 as a small gathering organized by our BIPOC Employee Resource Group has grown into a meaningful annual tradition of reflection, learning, community, and celebration.
As part of this year's observance, Bevette Irvis, Wellspring's Senior Director of Programs, shared reflections on why Juneteenth matters deeply to Wellspring's mission and how the values of resilience, equity, and opportunity show up in our work every day.
We invite you to read Bevette's reflections and join us in honoring the significance of Juneteenth.