This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants
The Emancipation Proclamation
On January 1, 1963, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that “all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious States “are, and henceforward shall be free.”
Enforcement of the proclamation took nearly two and a half years, and ended on June 19, 1865 when 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were finally emancipated (freed) from slavery.
Why We Celebrate Juneteenth
“Juneteenth” (June 19th) commemorates emancipation, and honors the lives and labor of those whose enslavement called for the proclamation.
Their contributions to society helped jumpstart a wave of labor movements around the globe including the founding and organization of Labor Unions.
Emancipation in Hawaiʻi
The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi Constitution, enacted by Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III in 1852 explicitly outlawed slavery (Article 12) thirteen years before the final Emancipation Proclamation enforcement in Texas:
“Slavery shall, under no circumstances whatever, be tolerated in the Hawaiian Islands: whenever a slave shall enter Hawaiian territory he shall be free; no person who imports a slave, or slaves, into the King’s dominions shall ever enjoy any civil or political rights in this realm…”
Article 12 challenged the norm to extend grace and protection to a vulnerable and oppressed class. This, and other Hawaiian laws and values call for solidarity and kindness toward others.
Emancipation, Unions, and Solidarity
Hawaiʻi has the highest rate of Union membership (24.8%) compared to other jurisdictions on the continent.
The high rate of Union membership in Hawaiʻi is the product of labor movements. Many of these movements were organized on plantations; however, labor movements today span many industries.
Communities were formed on those plantations among people who were meant to remain divided.
Unions Feed Our Communities
Community, kindness, and good food is central our cultural and social norms. These factors are central because we recognize food as a basic human right, and do not hesitate to share it and other resources with others.
When our ability to put food on the table is jeopardized, it doesn’t affect us individually– it affects those around us as well. For this reason, Labor Unions remain strong in Hawaiʻi.
The history of exploited labor on plantations is a grim reminder what’s to come if we cease to take action or lose hope. Behind every change is someone who was ruthlessly hopeful. More importantly, it’s important that we have a reason to keep going.
We don’t need to outrun every change or topple every obstacle. Sometimes, just going is enough.
WE are “The Union.”
Labor Unions are the vanguard (frontline forces) that protect the working class from becoming a class of slaves. Every member of a Labor Union upholds this boundary just by being a member. Strength in numbers!
As a Labor Union, we honor those who keep society afloat: Workers like us! There is no such thing as unskilled labor; everyone deserves fair pay for their contributions.
On this day, the 19th of June, we commemorate those who fought to improve work conditions and strengthen labor laws for all– up to and including emancipation.
Happy Juneteenth – Emancipation Day!
In Solidarity & Pualani Forever,
AFA Hawaiian, Local Council 43 (Honolulu Base)
WE are the Union!
PS: CWA National Human Rights Conference
Are you passionate about human rights? CWA will host a National Human Rights Conference in Peachtree, Georgia August 16 – 19.
Learn more:https://cwahumanrights.com/
