Juneteenth: Freedom Day

"Juneteenth is a time to recommit ourselves to the work that remains undone. We remember that even in the darkest hours, there is cause to hope for tomorrow’s light."—@BarackObama, 2016 pic.twitter.com/WQ2C4QXLG3

— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) June 19, 2020

Harriet Tubman
Mother Freedom#Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/iI1DdcxJno

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) June 19, 2020

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A great way to celebrate #Juneteenth? Support Black women filmmakers like @cgpeoples - her film @Juneteenthmovie drops on digital today. A lovely film about mothers and daughters, dreams deferred and reclaiming our own liberation. #MissJuneteenth pic.twitter.com/sphrPshhlJ

— Rebecca Theodore-Vachon 🇭🇹 🇩🇴 🇺🇸 (@FilmFatale_NYC) June 19, 2020

#OTD in 1865, enslaved African Americans were notified of their freedom by Union troops in Galveston Bay, TX—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Known as #Juneteenth, this day is widely celebrated as the end of chattel slavery in the U.S. #APeoplesJourney pic.twitter.com/banVoF49nl

— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) June 19, 2020

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Though it has long been celebrated among the African American community, it is a history that has been marginalized & still remains largely unknown to the wider public. The legacy of #Juneteenth shows the value of deep hope & urgent organizing in uncertain times. #APeoplesJourney pic.twitter.com/juqbpOGxYu

— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) June 19, 2020

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control, some enslaved people would not be free until much later.

[BLOG] The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth: https://t.co/rUhEaMtM0J #APeoplesJourney

— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) June 19, 2020

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For more than 250,000 African Americans, June 19, 1865, signaled the final day of their enslavement. Two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, Texas had yet to officially recognize the President’s executive order. #APeoplesJourney pic.twitter.com/1eZrAfElgv

— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) June 19, 2020

Not until Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX with 2,000 soldiers on June 19, 1865, did enslaved African Americans learn about their emancipation.

How do you and your community commemorate #Juneteenth? #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory pic.twitter.com/Guppu0hKZC

— Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) June 19, 2020

An Inspiring Kid

So many Americans right now are stepping up to help their communities. Zohaib Begg, a 7-year-old from VA, is one of them. This inspiring kid has been gathering supplies from hotels to donate to the medical professionals at his local hospital. https://t.co/K8Pvp9Cyaq

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 30, 2020

A Lasting Legacy

Proud of all the Americans who showed up to vote yesterday, electing a set of hopeful, forward-thinking leaders primed to protect Medicaid, draw fair voting maps, and reduce gun violence. A great night for our country—one that’ll leave a lasting legacy.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 6, 2019

An Outstanding Group

Proud to endorse an outstanding group of Virginia Democrats in Tuesday’s election—candidates who’ll not only advance the causes of equality, justice, and decency, but help ensure that the next decade of voting maps are drawn fairly. That’s good policy—and good for our politics. pic.twitter.com/IljmKBq7Gm

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 2, 2019

Happy #ElectionDay to folks across the country heading to the polls today. Snap a picture with your #IVoted sticker and tag @WhenWeAllVote to show me how you’re making your voice heard! https://t.co/PdiTQ3n1QR

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) November 5, 2019

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It’s #ElectionDay tomorrow in Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky, Mississippi, and dozens of cities across the country.

Text a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker and make your plan to vote. Your vote is your voice, so make sure you’re heard! https://t.co/42VPViosIQ

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) November 4, 2019

🚨It’s #ElectionDay this Tuesday in:

Kentucky
Mississippi
New Jersey
Virginia
Dozens of cities across the country

Remind a friend to make their plan to vote ✔️ pic.twitter.com/IN9V50eBdh

— When We All Vote (@WhenWeAllVote) November 2, 2019

Vision For Progress

Truly an honor to meet and speak with President Obama earlier this week — in these turbulent political times, it was inspiring to hear his continuing vision for progress for America. pic.twitter.com/69MZWVyw06

— Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY) March 29, 2019

I told @BarackObama, “We miss you every day, Mr. President.” pic.twitter.com/r3VOYCRARm

— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) March 30, 2019

Dancing Queen

Still dancing at 110 years old—happy birthday, Virginia! pic.twitter.com/IYuNYLJqT5

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) March 12, 2019

This was truly a wonderful moment to see at the White House. Love watching this. Thank you! https://t.co/9b7oKhiIQN

— Matt Leeds (@Mleeds2048) March 12, 2019

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Ms. Virginia McLaurin is enjoying her birthday and greatly appreciates your greetings. She reflects on meeting you (and Barack Obama) at the White House every day. pic.twitter.com/j5gSlMWzdc

— Deborah Menkart (@dmenkart) March 12, 2019

What a great moment. Happy 110th, Virginia. https://t.co/FuNZV3RRV4

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 12, 2019

Chat Away

The future is bright. pic.twitter.com/J0lfIVL5yK

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 30, 2018

Black History Made

Breaking: Richmond’s J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School will be renamed Barack Obama Elementary School. A Confederate tribute will now honor the first black president.

— Justin Mattingly (@jmattingly306) June 19, 2018

Story: J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School in Richmond will be renamed after @BarackObama. https://t.co/ykGaO3bVOH

— Justin Mattingly (@jmattingly306) June 19, 2018

The Most Liked Tweet Of 2017

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion..." pic.twitter.com/InZ58zkoAm

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 13, 2017

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Jake Tapper

Hopey Changey Is Awesome!

In a high school cafeteria serving as a polling place in Richmond today pic.twitter.com/RTCyLGE7fV

— Sam Levine (@srl) November 7, 2017

Friend who's a Virginia poll volunteer sent me this anecdote from yesterday: One 91-year-old woman, limping noticeably and her hand bandaged, who came out in the rain to vote, said “Mr. Obama called me and said it was important to vote.” Who says robocalls don’t work?

— Patricia Zengerle (@ReutersZengerle) November 8, 2017