Monday, June 19th is Juneteenth. The date commemorates the day that the last slaves in the United States were set free.
Although Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was three more years before slaves in Galveston, Texas were alerted to the fact that they too were set free.
President Joe Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday a few years ago and many state and federal offices are close to celebrate the day.
NASCAR released a statement also commemorating this day by recognizing some Juneteenth celebrations.
“NASCAR is proud to support two local Juneteenth festivals that commemorate the historic emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and unites communities to honor the past and embrace a better future for all.”
NASCAR is proud to support two local Juneteenth festivals that commemorate the historic emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and unites communities to honor the past and embrace a better future for all. pic.twitter.com/H66svgWR3v
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 19, 2023
Over the past few years, NASCAR has tried to be more inclusive in their sport. They have started several programs in order to attract more minorities to the sport.
Although the sport only has so far one regular African-American driver on the circuit, Bubba Wallace, the sport still continues to make progress.
Michael Jordan is an owner of a NASCAR team, 23XI Racing along with Cup series driver Denny Hamlin. Wallace races for the 23XI and despite still being disliked by some fans, Wallace is popular among a lot of fans and as Tiger Woods did when he became popular on the PGA Tour, he has attracted many new fans to his sport.
NASCAR may still have a long way to go, but it has also come a long way.
