On June 19th, we honor a defining moment in American history. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation—more than two years after it was issued—bringing long-overdue freedom to over 250,000 enslaved African Americans.
More than 150 years later, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead. Today, African Americans continue to bear a disproportionate burden of end-stage renal disease and face persistent challenges in accessing timely and appropriate care.
As a Society, our commitment to serving all communities must remain strong. I encourage each of us to take this day to reflect on our shared history, listen to the experiences of others, and engage in meaningful efforts that promote justice, compassion, and respect. Through these actions, we strengthen our community and our mission to serve every patient with compassion and integrity.
Anthony Watkins, MD
Chair, CE Committee
Juneteenth Resources: