❓What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19th, 1865— the day federal troops reached Galveston, Texas, to declare all enslaved individuals officially free under the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln over two years prior.
The Black community has long observed this holiday with readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, music, cookouts, and more.
Although advocates pushed for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday since the 1990s, it was only officially recognized in June 2021. The movement gained momentum after a global focus on racism in 2020.
In May of that year, the killing of George Floyd prompted Black Lives Matter protests worldwide, impacting even sports — with players kneeling, marching, and leading the way in a transformative summer.
💪 Women’s sports leading the way
Source: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Throughout 2020, the WNBA spearheaded change and activism in sports.
During the 2020 season held in the “Wubble” in Bradenton, Florida, the league dedicated the season to Breonna Taylor, honoring her memory by wearing her name, observing moments of silence, and supporting the #SayHerName movement, raising awareness for Black women affected by police violence.
The NWSL was also proactive in activism as the first U.S. pro league to resume play after pandemic shutdowns. Players collaborated with the league to support the BLM movement through warm-up t-shirts and in-stadium banners.
🚫 The wildcat strikes
Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
On August 26, 2020, athletes in the NBA, WNBA, MLB, and MLS initiated wildcat strikes following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee Bucks set off the strike by boycotting their playoff game, leading to other leagues following suit. The NBA postponed all games for the day, with athletes advocating for social justice initiatives.
This historic strike highlighted the influence and effectiveness of athletes, showcasing how their unified voice can drive real change.
✊ The rise in athlete activism
Source: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
Athletes have been instrumental in driving change for years, and this trend intensified in the summer of 2020 following George Floyd’s murder.
Notable examples include the USWNT advocating for players’ rights to kneel during the national anthem and efforts to increase voting opportunities for team markets.
Though progress has been made, there is still much work to be done, particularly in protecting Black lives and the LGBTQIA+ community.
🎉 How to celebrate
Source: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images
With Juneteenth now a federal holiday, it’s crucial to honor and support it. Several sports leagues have organizations dedicated to uplifting Black athletes and addressing racial inequalities.
In soccer, the NWSL’s Black Women’s Player Collective and MLS’ Black Players for Change are working to empower Black athletes and combat systemic racism.
Organizations like the Black Student-Athlete Alliance (BSAA) have long provided support for collegiate athletes on campuses across the U.S.
MLB will host a special game at Alabama’s historic Rickwood Field in honor of the late Willie Mays, a baseball legend and Birmingham Black Barons’ former player.
