Growing Influence
Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, when African Americans in Texas learned of their emancipation from slavery, continues to spread across the U.S. as a public holiday.
At least 28 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a holiday. Texas was the first to do so, in 1980. President Joe Biden signed the legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday in June 2021.
Read an excerpt from On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon Reed.
A Vital Gift
World Blood Donor Day is June 14, and donation centers continue their call for the lifesaving resource—noting that just 3% of the eligible U.S. population donates blood each year. Learn more at redcrossblood.org.
Surge of the Spurs
A South Texas tradition was born 25 years ago this month when the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA championship for the first time. They celebrated with fans June 27, 1999, by throwing a barge parade on the River Walk—as they have for each of their four titles since then.
Gregg Popovich was still a newish head coach, in just his third season, but he had dominating big men David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and all three established a winning culture. The Spurs may have struggled mightily during the 2023–24 season, but another prized big man, 7-foot-4-inch Victor Wembanyama, has fans believing the next river parade is just around the bend.
