American athletes took to social media on Thursday, June 19 to proudly celebrate Juneteenth , a holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States and recognizes the continued fight for equality and justice.
Among the most vocal was sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who shared a powerful message on her Instagram Story, reflecting on the significance of the day and its meaning to Black Americans. The reigning world 100m champion has often used her platform to highlight issues of racial identity, empowerment, and resilience.
Olympic gold medalist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn also posted tributes to Juneteenth, as did rising sprint sensation Melissa Jefferson.
Meanwhile, Gabby Thomas, the Harvard graduate and Olympic bronze medalist in the 200m, took to her Instagram Story to repost scenes of celebration, including content featuring members of the TBBTC_Bailey group. It is a training collective led by Coach Dennis Mitchell that includes several elite sprinters.
This annual commemoration, now a federal holiday since 2021, marks the date in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. They announced General Order No. 3, that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This news came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
For many athletes, Juneteenth is more than just a date. It’s a symbol of resilience and progress. The posts shared across social media served as a reminder of the powerful role that athletes play in shaping conversations around justice, identity, and heritage.
