Published by CUEvangelist – June 19, 2024

You guessed it – a lack of awareness.

Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, more specifically for those in Galveston, Texas.  Many attribute the holiday’s history to the notion that enslaved Africans in the state of Texas were not aware of the signing of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.  It wasn’t until two years later when the Union Army came to Galveston, the last confederate stronghold in Texas to enforce the Proclamation, that enslaved Africans were notified of their freedom. 

Despite its historical significance, Juneteenth has only recently gained wider recognition. For many years, it was primarily celebrated within African American communities, with little awareness or acknowledgment from the broader population. This lack of awareness about Juneteenth highlights a gap in understanding American history and the struggles faced by African Americans.

Similarly, credit unions are financial institutions that often go unnoticed despite their history and the benefits they provide. Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives that provide financial services just like traditional banks, but with personalized service excellence. However, there are still many people that are unaware of credit unions and the community support they provide.  Unfortunately, this fosters the tendency for the public to stick with more familiar banking options. This lack of awareness can result in individuals missing out on the potential benefits of credit union membership. 

Credit unions must tell their stories and inform the public.  Like the Union army that marched through Galveston, credit union volunteers and employees must notify the masses of the credit union difference.  There is an old saying “if you don’t know better, you can’t do better.”  It’s up to credit unions to let individuals know they can be placed on the road to financial freedom and wellness. Let’s celebrate Juneteenth and join the CUEvangelist in “Spreading The Good News About CUs!”