Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy. On this day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved people were now free—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

The Legacy of Juneteenth

Juneteenth represents not only the end of slavery (in the form it took at the time) but also the beginning of the long and ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of Jim Crow laws, which institutionalized racial segregation and disenfranchisement. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s marked a significant period of activism and change, leading to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Echoes of the Past in Today’s Struggles

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a political climate that mirrors many struggles of the past. Issues like voter suppression, systemic racism, and social injustice continue to plague our society. The Black Lives Matter movement has shone a spotlight on police brutality and the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and immigrant rights are all part of the broader struggle for human rights and dignity.

While it may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that there are many people doing what they can, however they can, to make a difference. Activists, community leaders, and everyday citizens are working tirelessly to create a more just and equitable world.

Celebrating Progress and Supporting Each Other

In the spirit of Juneteenth, we at The Way of Paman are committed to contributing to this ongoing struggle through our art and storytelling. We believe in the power of stories to inspire change and foster empathy. As a thank you for your incredible support of our Kickstarter, we are offering Issue 1 of Dark Sentinel for just $3.99 for today only. This special offer will be available for 24 hours, and once the book returns this summer, it will not be at that price. Visit our store to grab your copy. On top of that, all items on the site will be on sale for the same period!

Thank you again for your support, for liking, sharing, saving, and commenting on our social media posts. You can find all our social media links on our Linktree.

Looking Forward

Our team is hard at work on Issue 2, with inking starting this week. We are excited to announce that the layouts for Issues 2-4 have been completed, so we expect the process to move much faster going forward. Your continued support and engagement mean the world to us, and we are thrilled to bring you more of Dark Sentinel.

Let’s continue to celebrate our progress, acknowledge our struggles, and work together towards a brighter future. Happy Juneteenth!

With gratitude,
Glave