The first annual event at Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ's TAO Central was a great success! Over 50 members attended and enjoyed the celebration. Alejandra Gomez, peer support specialist, created a collage of events that walked staff and members through time, starting from the beginning to the moment . Janisha Vargas, case manager II, presented to the staff and members. It was insightful and helped everyone understand the holiday and its significance.

June 19 marks - when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed two years before and freed all enslaved people. This day is now known as Juneteenth and is celebrated as a federal holiday remembering the end of slavery in the United States. This day is essential to reflect on how far we've come and keep pushing for equality and justice.

After a productive day of celebration and reflection, everyone at TAO Central enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by , a black-owned restaurant in Orange County. The staff and members enjoyed fried chicken, red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, salad, and lemonade.

Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ is happy to see the TAO Central program spending Juneteenth with its staff and program members! It is so wonderful to see our programs taking the time to educate and celebrate an important part of history!