Courtesy Photo-Judge M. Wanda Stokes-30th District Circuit Court
As the nation prepares to commemorate Juneteenth on June 19, 2024, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on our freedoms. Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marking the momentous occasion when enslaved African Americans in Texas ultimately learned of their freedom from slavery in 1865; more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and freedom for all Americans. As a Circuit Court Judge, I am keenly aware of the importance of upholding the principles of equality and fairness in the judicial system and ensuring that the rights of all individuals are protected under the law.
As we celebrate Juneteenth 2024, let it serve as a reminder of the progress that has been made in the fight for equality and justice, while also acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. Juneteenth is a time for reflection, remembrance, and celebration of the resilience and strength of the African American community in the face of centuries of oppression and discrimination.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of systemic racism, inequality, and injustice, Juneteenth being a national holiday, serves as a powerful reminder of the need to confront these challenges head-on and work together towards a more just and equitable society for all. As a Circuit Court Judge, I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness and justice for every individual in every case that comes before me. The judiciary must ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected under the law.
This Juneteenth I call upon all Americans to honor the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and freedom for all Americans. Juneteenth is not just a day of celebration, it’s an American holiday that calls on us to take action within our communities to ignite that positive light within us and commit again to building a more just and equitable society for future generations