Honoring Juneteenth: Embracing Freedom, Resilience, and New Pathways for Youth
Phoenix, AZ – June 19, 2025
At New Pathways for Youth, our mission is to transform the lives of youth by providing the support, stability, and skills they need to flourish in the community and in their families. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we reflect on the significance of this day and the ways our work connects to its powerful legacy.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks June 19th, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. For over 150 years, communities across the country have commemorated Juneteenth as a day of freedom, hope, and resilience, honoring the enduring journey toward equity and justice.
The Importance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone, it’s a celebration of liberation and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It honors the strength and spirit of those who fought for freedom, and reminds us of the power of community when committed to justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.
The story of Juneteenth is a testament to unjust systems being dismantled, but it also calls attention to the work still ahead. Even today, racial disparities and social barriers persist, including in education, mentorship, and economic opportunity. Juneteenth encourages us to champion environments where every young person, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive.
Our Commitment
At New Pathways for Youth, we are inspired by Juneteenth’s legacy. It is woven into the fabric of our commitment: to offer transformative mentorship that empowers youth to overcome adversity, build self-determination, and create their own stories of hope and achievement.
Importantly, 94% of the youth we serve are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). This diversity deepens our understanding of the unique challenges these young people face, and further emboldens our commitment to creating a just and inclusive environment where every young person can succeed.
Our mentoring relationships are more than just guidance, they are a declaration that every youth deserves support, stability, and a network of caring adults who believe in their potential. Through mentorship, goal-setting, and skill-building, our youth learn to break through barriers and shape futures filled with promise.
Creating New Generations of Changemakers
By celebrating Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to ensuring our programs cultivate equity, opportunity, and belonging for all. As we uplift and invest in the dreams of our youth, we honor the generations who fought for freedom and affirm our role in moving the legacy of Juneteenth forward.
Join Us in the Journey
This Juneteenth, we invite our community, mentors, supporters, and youth to reflect on the power of freedom and the journey toward justice. Together, we can continue to open new pathways for our youth, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to flourish and contribute to a more inclusive, equitable world.
Visit PhxSoul to learn how you can honor and celebrate Juneteenth in Phoenix. Thank you for standing with us in this important work.