The Juneteenth flag
Although we’ve always celebrated Juneteenth, over the past two years we’ve expanded our recognition of this holiday by closing our branches. We’re continuing this tradition this year by celebrating with community events, a “What Juneteenth Means to Me” art contest, and more.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom. This day honors June 19, 1865, the day when freedom finally came for enslaved people in Texas — two months after
the end of the Civil War and more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Artist Tarah Singh poses with her work at our Hendersonville, NC branch’s Juneteenth celebration
A year later, freedmen in Texas marked the first anniversary of this historic event with celebrations that would become Juneteenth. Since then, Juneteenth observances have become major public events in almost every corner of the country.
Juneteenth is a is a special holiday for Self-Help because the spirit of this holiday — celebrating the liberation of Black Americans — closely aligns with our mission of “creating and protecting ownership and economic opportunity,
especially for people of color, women, rural residents and low-wealth families and communities.” We strive to support our Black communities, members and partners as they create thriving, liberated and rich lives.
Staff at our Brevard, NC branch pose with artwork from Rise & Shine, a local education-focused nonprofit partner
We’re honored to partner with Black-led businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, and entrepreneurs around the country that grow local economies and strengthen communities. We cherish our work with Black homeowners to increase generational wealth,
keep communities strongly rooted and narrow the egregious racial wealth gap.
This work means everything to us at Self-Help because we know that we’re all stronger when we extend freedom and opportunity to more people — especially those who have been excluded. Join us in this joyous recognition of Black resistance,
freedom and new opportunities.
Works by local artists on display through the month of June at our San Diego, CA branch