CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
Dear Editor: Juneteenth is a national holiday in observance of the emancipation (freeing) of slaves in the U.S. This holiday started right here in Texas, where slaves were freed June 19, 1865, nearly three years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Taylor, Texas Juneteenth Committee will celebrate Juneteenth with a festival Saturday, June 21, 5–10 p.m. in Fannie Robinson Park. The Emancipation Proclamation became official on Jan. 1, 1863, but not in Texas. It took 2 ½ years before the enslaved heard General Order No. 3 from the balcony of Galveston’s Ashton Villa on June 19, 1865, announcing slavery had been formally abolished and that the enslavedwerefree. Let me quote one sentence from General Order No. 3: “This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.”
The plantation owners knew, the people in government knew and the literate knew. But it was kept from those that needed to hear it most –– the enslaved people who produced the wealth for Texas.
This historic day, commemorating the promises of emancipation, undeniably honors the past. It also recognizes the ongoing challenges, both past and present, faced by marginalized communities in their pursuit of full citizenship and political empowerment. Juneteenth is a poignant reminder of the interconnection between the struggle for racial equality and the fight for social justice in the United States. Its profound significance reminds us the fight for racial equality continues amid our pursuit of full, inclusive participation in our nation’s democracy. Juneteenth serves as a call to action. The struggle continues. Let’s continue to work towards “absolute equality of rights.”
Jose Orta
Taylor
NEW TO EAST WILCO
Dear Editor: I am honored to introduce myself to the community as the new postmaster in Bartlett. My name is Lydia Briones, and I am excited to begin this journey serving the residents and businesses of Bartlett, Holland, Schwertner and Davilla.
The U.S. Postal Service has a longstanding tradition of connecting people through letters, packages and reliable service. Under our ambitious Delivering for America plan, I am committed to upholding that tradition while working to enhance the customer experience in every way possible.
Whether it’s ensuring timely deliveries, improving our retail services or listening to your feedback, my goal is to make our post office a place of trust and support for everyone.
To this role, I bring eight years of Postal Service experience, starting my career as a rural carrier associate in Elgin in 2017. I transferred to the Georgetown Post Office in 2019 and carried mail until June 2022, when I decided I was ready to delve into a management position.
I was promoted to a supervisor customerservices position in September 2022. Since then, I have worked in numerous offices and accepted assignments as I continue to focus on honing my skill set and knowledge base.
I now look forward to living in and serving the community where I have grown up since I was 5 years old, along with my husband, Andres, and as a bonus mom to three amazing girls.
I encourage you to stop by the post office, say hello and share any questions or ideas you may have.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I am proud to be here and look forward to working together to keep our community connected.
Lydia Briones
Bartlett
