06/19/2026
Happy Juneteenth!!!
Although our offices are closed today in observance of the holiday, our Atlanta team was thrilled to welcome members and community partners to our West End branch yesterday for a Juneteenth celebration and Member Appreciation Day.
Local historian and former professional basketball player Mike Glenn shared the rich history of Juneteenth, from the Civil War and Emancipation to the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, in 1865—bringing news of freedom to the last 250,000 people who remained enslaved in Texas.
One of the most inspiring stories he shared was that of Opal Lee, often referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” At 89 years old, she embarked on a symbolic walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., and helped collect 1.6 million signatures urging Congress to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday—a goal achieved in 2021.
At Self-Help, we recognize that freedom is not only about legal rights, but also about access to opportunity. As we honor Juneteenth and reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality, we remain committed to expanding economic opportunity, advancing financial inclusion, and helping build pathways to wealth and prosperity for all.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth as we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the continued work of creating a more just future!
