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Supporting Friends With Their Mental Health

Jaclyn Baker

In life, we often rely on our friends to support us during challenging times. But what happens when a friend vanishes, leaving you to wonder what went wrong? 

Friendships can profoundly impact your mental well-being, and having a reliable and supportive friend during difficult times can be a lifeline. However, when your friend faces significant mental health challenges like hearing voices, experiencing panic, or holding unusual beliefs, know how to show up for them. 

In this blog, explore a simple list of ways that offer valuable insights on being there for a struggling friend. With these meaningful ways – you can provide support, compassion, and friendship during their journey to wellness. 

Ready to foster a strong friendship that can weather any storm? 

Acknowledge Your Friend’s Core Identity

Supporting a friend going through a mental health crisis can be challenging and rewarding. 

It is crucial to remember that despite any changes in their behaviour, they are still the same person, and although mental illness may impact their actions, it doesn’t alter the essence of who they are. 

Being there for them as you always have, engaging in activities together, and maintaining a sense of normalcy can mean the world to them during this difficult time.  

Lastly, patience and compassion go a long way, so having a non-judgmental and supportive approach can send a reassuring message that they are not alone in their journey to recovery.

Stay By Their Side and Offer Help

During a mental health crisis, it’s crucial not to leave your friend alone. While you may not have all the answers, your presence and support can provide comfort and reassurance. Remember, you don’t need to resolve the crisis yourself, but being there can make a significant difference.

Also, providing your friend with essential resources can make a significant difference if your friend is struggling with thoughts of suicide or needs immediate assistance; share helplines and mental health resources. Normalizing seeking help and guiding your friend to the right support networks can be crucial to their recovery and well-being.

 Offer Them a Listening Ear 

Your willingness to be there and hear your friend out can mean a lot to them. Even if you can’t fully grasp their struggles, showing support will let them know they are not alone.

But also remember, your role as a friend differs from that of a therapist. It’s okay to listen and validate their experiences, but if your friend needs professional help, encourage them to seek assistance from mental health providers. Your support as a friend can be significant, but leave the therapeutic expertise to trained professionals.

Avoid Dismissing Their Experiences 

Mental health difficulties can be confusing and disorienting, making it challenging for your friend to distinguish between different emotions and thoughts. Take their ideas seriously, validate their feelings, and tell them that their voice matters to you. This validation can provide a sense of reassurance and help them feel heard and respected. 

Every person’s emotions and thoughts are valid, regardless of their mental health status. Just show your friend that you genuinely care about their perspectives and feelings.

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From Lost to Found: How to Find Yourself in Your 20s

Jaclyn Baker
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Welcome to the exhilarating world of your 20s!

This transformative phase of life is filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth. It’s a time when you embark on the journey of self-discovery, navigate through the twists and turns, build meaningful relationships, and make important life decisions. 

But as you navigate through the pressures and uncertainties that come with this pivotal decade, it’s crucial to stay grounded, accept change, prioritize self-care, and trust in your own journey. 

Whether finding your purpose, building resilience, cultivating healthy relationships, or embracing change, buckle up and get ready to dive into the exciting self-discovery journey ahead!

Don’t Stress About Your 5-Year Plan

We’ve all looked back at our high school years and wished we had made different choices. But guess what? The same goes for our 20s! 

Instead of getting caught up in the what-ifs and maybes, focus on the present moment. This is your time to shine, explore, and build a rock-solid relationship with the most crucial person in your life—yourself!

So, dive headfirst into the glorious chaos of your 20s. It’s time to make memories, embrace uncertainty, make bold choices, and create a future you’ll look back on with pride.    

Express Yourself and Let Your Words Be Heard 

Remember, you have the right to be heard, respected, and valued. So speak up, and let your authentic voice shine.  

Your thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter, and expressing them is vital to your personal journey. Always remember to establish clear boundaries to protect your mental and emotional well-being.

Now take charge of your mental and emotional well-being by defining what is acceptable, and don’t hesitate to assert those boundaries and stand up for yourself.

Live Life On Your Terms 

Your story is one-of-a-kind, filled with twists and turns. So embrace every chapter, the highs and the lows, and everything in between.

If it doesn’t light your fire, break free! Who cares what others think? It’s your life, your rules, and your time to shine. Step out of that line and dance to the beat of your own heart.

Lastly, don’t chase money – it isn’t the ultimate prize! Instead, seek something far more significant—truth, meaning, and fulfillment. Find joy in the simple things, follow your passions, and let your heart guide you to a life rich with purpose.

Trust The Process

Patience is the name of the game! All your dreams won’t magically come true overnight, so embrace the journey and trust that everything will fall into place in due time.

Take every opportunity to learn, explore, and step out of your comfort zone. Experience the lessons that come your way, even with a few bumps and bruises, for they are shaping you into the amazing person you’re destined to become.

It’s also okay to take risks and make mistakes along the way. That’s how you learn and grow. So, hand tight – enjoy the adventure, seize the opportunities, and keep believing in yourself. 

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3 Ways to Power-Up Your Productivity

Jaclyn Baker
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Do you ever find yourself wishing for more hours in the day? Longing to accomplish your goals with ease and efficiency?

We’ve all been there. You have a list of tasks to tackle, responsibilities to fulfill, and goals to achieve. Yet you convince yourself that a quick phone check won’t hurt. Little do you know, you’re about to embark on a journey down the rabbit hole. 

Whether it’s diving into your email, getting caught up in social media, or aimlessly scrolling the internet, time slips away unnoticed. Suddenly, you wonder where the day has vanished, burdened by unfinished tasks multiplied in your absence. The fleeting satisfaction derived from these distractions soon turns into lingering disappointment or anxiety as unfinished tasks accumulate!

Ready to take control of your time like a productivity superhero and avert the pitfalls of distraction?  Then keep reading as we unveil these steps toward a more productive existence.

Outsmart the Sneaky Rabbit Hole

Oh, the underestimated time you spend in these vortexes!

To unlock the path to productivity, first, acknowledge the existence of the rabbit hole. Despite its seemingly obvious nature, this deceptive phenomenon holds more power over you than meets the eye.  

Start noticing what lures you astray and how much precious time it swallows. Observe your patterns and embrace the power of purposeful attention and shine a spotlight on distraction 

Channel Your Inner Compassionate Coach

Picture yourself as a superhero of self-improvement, equipped with a secret weapon—the firm hand of self-compassion! 

It’s like having a caring parent, a wise mentor, and a cheerleading coach all rolled into one. Stepping into this role for yourself and harnessing this superpower can help nudge you toward choices that promote long-term well-being while helping you avoid pesky unhelpful habits. 

Visualize Your Day

Even before you step out of bed, you have the power to shape your day. 

See yourself gracefully navigating potential rabbit holes, effortlessly prioritizing what matters to you, and taking decisive action. Feel the excitement and satisfaction as if you’ve already conquered the day. Now, rise and shine, knowing you’ve set the stage for greater awareness and intentionality.

Now bring your intentional action plan to life and experience the joy of being the director of your masterpiece!

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Healthy Connection Starts With Healthy Boundaries

Jaclyn Baker

By: Tanya Kramer

Healthy connection should be the goal for all of our essential relationships; however, sometimes, that is easier said than done. 

So, where does someone start when meeting a new person or wanting to improve on an already existing relationship?  

In order to know how to do this, we will cover the following topics:

  • What are healthy boundaries
  • How to set boundaries
  • How to hold boundaries (sometimes the most challenging part)

How do you know if you have healthy boundaries with another person?  

Here are some clues that you are on the right track:

  • Personal boundaries are clear
  • You know who you are and what you want and need
  • Treat yourself with respect and others with respect
  • Able to say “yes” or “no” without guilt, fear, or anger
  • Refuse to tolerate abuse or disrespect
  • Have a strong sense of personal identity
  • Take responsibility when appropriate
  • Know when a problem is yours or belongs to the other person
  • Have empathy, but also recognize the limits of our support in some situations
  • Know the difference between giving support and being in a codependent relationship
  • Belonging versus fitting in

There are several different types of boundaries to consider, along with their definitions: 

  • Emotional Boundaries – to be treated with respect
  • Physical Boundaries – personal space, which at a basic level is at our skin, but also our “bubble” area we need around us to be comfortable (Note – this can be different for different people based on culture and/or family dynamics)
  • Relational Boundaries – knowing who the people are whom you have a high level of trust with (may include family, partner, trusted friends, etc.)
  • Sexual Boundaries – to have all experiences be one where there is consent and appropriate maturation for both partners
  • Social or Cultural Boundaries – to respect aspects of other cultures (how people greet, level of eye contact, physical space, etc.)
  • Material Boundaries – to have your personal items respected and to respect other people’s items

What are some of the red flags where improvement in boundaries might be necessary?

Some people have experiences which include harm, trauma, or a lack of close relationships, which can result in some people having rigid / inflexible boundaries.

Here are some ways these rigid/inflexible boundaries might show up in relationships:

  • Rigid metaphorical “walls” between you and others
  • Avoid intimacy by staying busy, picking fights, and/or avoiding people in general
  • Refuse to share personal information with Someone who has earned your trust
  • Fear of abandonment, suffocation in relationships, and/or avoid close relationships
  • Struggles with loneliness, low self-esteem, distrust, anger, and/or control
  • Difficulty identifying your wants, needs, and feelings
  • Fear of being hurt, vulnerable, or taken advantage of
  • Saying “no” if requests involve close interactions with others

Other people have experiences where they have learned they have to self-sacrifice their needs and emotional safety to be seen and cared for. These people may cope with these difficult experiences by having loose boundaries.

Here are some ways these loose boundaries might show up in relationships:

  • Personal boundaries become weak or nonexistent
  • Saying “yes” to all requests because you fear rejection and/or abandonment
  • Tolerating abuse and/or disrespectful treatment
  • Feel that you deserve to be treated poorly
  • No sense of who you are or what you feel, need, want, and think
  • Focus on pleasing those around you
  • Take on the feelings of those around you
  • Constantly self-sacrifice your needs for others

Now that you have this information about boundaries, how do you start setting and holding boundaries?

  • Start with one person whom you hope to have a better relationship with because they matter to you.
  • Decide what is the boundary you want to set
  • Communicate the boundary to the person clearly and kindly, ideally during a calm (not triggering) moment.
  • If a person pushes on or disrespects the boundary you have set, remind them of the boundary (Repeat)
  • If the person continues not to respect the boundary, then decide how long you are willing to remind them of the boundary before you set a new, more protective boundary for yourself (choosing to not talk to them about a specific topic, not helping with a specific task, not seeing the person for a while, limiting contact, or fully cutting off the person depending on what is appropriate for the situation).
  • Communicate to the person what will happen if they continue not to respect your boundary (name the action or consequence you plan to take)

Setting and holding boundaries is HARD. However, most people will respect your boundaries if we are clear on what they are early in the relationship.

Once you know how to set and hold boundaries, it is often easier to use this skill with new people because they will either respect your boundaries (WIN) or not (Still a WIN, because then you know not to continue to put effort into the relationship).

When you decide to set healthy boundaries within relationships, it helps you learn who you can and can’t trust.

You can use this helpful equation to assess who to trust and who not to trust within relationships:

 TIME + EXPERIENCE = To Trust Someone or Not to Trust Someone (actions often speak louder than words)

The benefit of having healthy connections with health boundaries is that you can move through your life with more ease knowing the people close to you trust, love, and respect you in both words and actions. Healthy connections with healthy boundaries result in less anxiety and energy expended on worrying about relationships. Healthy connections with healthy boundaries result in feeling like you belong in your relationships versus trying to fit in. The result of healthy boundaries is worth the work!

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Friendship Resources

Jaclyn Baker

By: Jen Champion

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha.

Do you want to deepen your listening skills, carefully articulate clear communications, and foster compassion and friendliness?

Bring yourself and a friend to our online and in-person Friendship Share, July 24- 28.

No experience is needed; everyone is welcome. Practice in a chair, on a mat on the floor or both.

Our collective inspiration will lead us through improvisational and guided movements.

We will develop and practice an herb meditation and close with a gong glow.  You will be surprised when you relax in the arms of a loved one. You are indeed your best friend. 

Register Here

Class Description 

Upcoming Opportunity this Fall: Choose 2-6 people for your group practice.

Schedule the date and time for your group to practice. (cannot be during our scheduled classes)

We love to travel! Invite us to your workplace, farm, family gathering, parade, or event.

Our Group and Team Spirit classes are a great way to share and grow.

Also offered online for team members working in various locations.

Questions? Contact Jen: jchampion@vistapsych.com

Leave a message for Jen at 541-517-9733

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Behind The Chemistry of Friendships

Jaclyn Baker
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Have you ever wondered why you’ve clicked so well with someone right away? Or what drew you to your current friendships? 

The chemistry behind friendships gives you a window into why you may surround yourself with the people in your life.

Forming Bonds

Believe it or not, strong connections can form through close proximity, shared life stages, or shared interests. Being close to someone who shares the same taste in music, shares your same humor, or has gone through similar experiences can all set the foundation for friendship. 

Creating Chemistry

If you’ve felt an unexplainable pull from the friends in your life, there may be a scientific reason. Social scientists have considered the “mere-exposure effect” as a factor. When you have the chance to constantly be around another person, whether through school, work or in your community, you can grow familiar with their presence. 

Good Impressions

It’s no secret that some friendships begin in an instant. That’s why science indicates that you can be “in sync” with those you tend to see similarities with. During the first impression of a person, it’s not unusual to get a sense of who they are. In fact, findings suggested that a decision to start a friendship can begin as early as just meeting a person. 

 

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Conquer Your “Not Feeling It” Days

Jaclyn Baker
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From fun tricks to simple mindset shifts, get ready to curb procrastination and embrace a can-do attitude. 

Bust a Move and Break Free

Stand up and let your body groove to the rhythm. Feel the energy surge as you do some squats, maybe even throw in a few push-ups. 

Sitting for too long leaves you rigid not just in posture but also in breath, thoughts, and emotions. But fear not; the antidote is simple: reconnect with your body! 

Now let the rhythm of movement awaken your senses and invigorate your motivation as you get up and get shaking! 

Tap Into Your Own Experiences and Preferences

You are unique, with individual needs and quirks that fuel your motivation. Some thrive under pressure, while others find their routines flexible, such as morning coffee or late-night hours.

The key is recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for igniting your action mode. So take a moment to reflect on a time when you felt unstoppable, and ask yourself: What made that moment different? 

Now, channel that energy and recreate it to ignite your drive. Now unlock your limitless potential – your sweet spot awaits! 

Uncover Your Why! 

We all have those tasks that make you question your motivation. 

But deep down, there’s a driving force, a purpose that matters to you. Take a moment to dig beneath the surface and discover what truly lights you up. Is it your dreams, your health, your relationships, or simply your peace of mind? Connect with what you care about and let it fuel your actions. 

So, the next you find yourself asking why even bother?, know that every step you take brings you closer to a life that’s truly meaningful. 

Take Some Action

Action fuels motivation! Instead of waiting for that burst of inspiration, dive right in and get the ball rolling. 

Whether tackling a workout, diving into a project, or finishing things on your to-do list, remember that action is the key that unlocks the door to success. So, do something right now; the rest will fall into place!

Revive Your Spirit

Jaclyn Baker
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‘Life is meant to be lived, not merely survived.’

We all experience moments when life seems to drain us, leaving us depleted and disconnected from our inner vitality. But fear not because there are simple yet powerful ways to reignite that spark and feel truly alive again. 

If you are ready to discover techniques that will bring back that zest for living you’ve been longing for, then dive in and unlock the secrets to feeling more alive than ever before.

Pursue What Sets Your Soul on Fire

Have you ever noticed a distinct difference in how you feel when you’re doing something out of obligation versus doing something because you genuinely want to? 

This is because your vitality reaches its peak when not only your physical needs are fulfilled but also your psychological needs are satisfied. When you are free to make decisions and direct your behaviours, you tap into a wellspring of motivation. 

So, follow your genuine desires, reclaim your power of choice, and unlock the boundless energy that awaits you.

Discover the Power of Flow

Flow is the state of complete immersion, where you become one with the task at hand, effortlessly gliding through its challenges while losing track of time. By doing activities that resonate with your soul, where time ceases to exist, you become the embodiment of effortless mastery. 

Whether it’s strumming the strings of a guitar, painting, or conquering obstacles, let the flow state electrify your spirit. 

Venture Beyond Your Usual Routine

Research has shown that embracing novelty is the key to feeling truly alive and vital. By immersing yourself in new experiences, whether reading a captivating book or baking a new dish, you can ignite your curiosity and heighten your senses.

So, venture into uncharted territories, and discover the exhilaration that awaits. With each step into the unknown, you’ll find yourself breathing in the essence of life. 

Appreciate the Joy of Being Alive

Lastly, rekindle your appreciation for the basic fact of being alive.

Rather than bemoaning the finiteness of your life, shift your perspective and embrace a profound sense of gratitude for the very experience of being alive. This way, each breath you take, each moment you savour, becomes a remarkable gift to cherish.

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Making Goals More Manageable

Jaclyn Baker

Imagine finding yourself in a situation where you’re already struggling to make progress towards a goal, and then you have to add more planning to it. It feels like a blow to your motivation, right? When you are required to incorporate additional planning into your goal pursuit, your motivation may plummet even further.  

Additionally, goals that are too big can backfire, leaving you feeling defeated. By aiming to change everything at once, you create a sense of overwhelm that stifles your motivation and hinders progress.

In this blog, explore the importance of practicality in goal-setting and how to set goals to unlock the immense potential that lies within you!

Break Down Your Goals into Actionable Steps

Whether it’s losing weight, building meaningful relationships, or advancing in your career, taking a big goal and breaking it into smaller goals can be a game-changer. By dissecting your ambitions into manageable tasks, you gain clarity, maintain motivation, and pave a smoother path to success. 

Start by dividing your big goal into significant milestones. By doing so, you create a roadmap that guides you along the way, preventing overwhelm and allowing for measurable progress.

This strategy also allows you to track your progress, make necessary adjustments, and build momentum towards your goals. 

Add Precision by Making Your Goals Measurable

Measurable goals allow you to track your progress effectively. 

Numbers serve as markers of achievement, allowing you to gauge how far you’ve come and how much further you need to go.  Every pound lost or dollar earned becomes a cause for celebration, reinforcing your determination and boosting your confidence along the way.

So, the next time you set a goal, remember to put a number to it, and witness how they empower you to surpass your own expectations.

Make Sure Your Goal is Realistic and Practical

While it’s tempting to aim for the stars, it’s essential to ground your goals in a sense of practicality that sets you up for success. 

Divide your goals and desires into two categories – what is within your control and what is beyond it. Then you can channel your energy into setting attainable goals for the aspects you can influence. Simultaneously, get into the practice of accepting the aspects outside your control.

Categorizing desires into within and outside control helps clarify and focus, enabling you to shape your responses and attitudes.

Don’t Do it Alone 

Success is rarely a solo endeavor and accomplishing a goal requires the right support system. 

When it comes to achieving goals, enlisting the support of friends, family, and partners can make all the difference.  A strong community not only provides valuable feedback and accountability but also serves as a source of unwavering encouragement. 

So embrace the power of community and avoid navigating the path alone.

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3 Ways to Master the Art of De-Escalation

Jaclyn Baker
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Conflict is an inevitable part of life, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or even casual encounters. But how you handle conflicts can make all the difference in resolving issues and maintaining harmony in your relationships. 

That’s why it is vital to develop and employ healthy techniques for de-escalating conflicts in a constructive and beneficial manner. 

Let’s explore some effective de-escalation techniques that can help diffuse conflicts and pave the way for peaceful resolutions.

Resolve the Conflict as Early as Possible

While it may be tempting to brush off small issues, doing so can make conflicts increasingly more challenging to resolve in the long run.

Long-term conflicts can be more difficult to resolve over time and can linger between you and the other people involved. But proactively addressing this conflict at the earliest stage possible can prevent it from escalating further. 

Identify and Understand the Goal

One crucial step in de-escalating conflict is identifying the goal and outcome you wish to achieve. You can set the stage for productive communication and problem-solving by taking the time to reflect.

Consider asking yourself, “How will I know this conflict is resolved?” This question can help you think about ways you can resolve the conflict by apologizing or trying to understand where the other person is coming from.

This approach will allow you to seek common ground and work towards a resolution that benefits everyone.

Promote Understanding and Open Dialogue

While you have your own side of events when conflict happens, acknowledging the other person’s point of view can help toward a resolution.

Fostering open communication and active listening is key to de-escalating conflict. You can bring empathy and understanding into the conversation to make each person feel heard. After all, everyone has their own side of the story.

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​​June is PRIDE Month

Jaclyn Baker

By: Tanya Kramer

Welcome to PRIDE month!

During this month, you will find parades, street parties, peaceful protests, and various educational events about LGBTQ+ issues to raise political awareness of current issues facing the community.  

You can find a PRIDE event in most major cities, but New York holds the honor of consistently holding the largest PRIDE event in the United States, with over 2 million people in attendance in 2019.

Brazil is where you go if you want to enjoy the biggest PRIDE event on earth which can reach 5 million attendees. 

Portland PRIDE will be celebrated on July 15-16 (not June) in downtown Portland near the waterfront. 

The reasons given for moving it from June to July vary, but some include circumventing rain and avoiding the overlap with Father’s Day, Juneteenth and the Delta Park Pow Wow. 

Portland’s first PRIDE month was celebrated in 1975 with 200 people. The crowd from last year’s celebration was around 8,000 people.

If you are unfamiliar with the origins of PRIDE month, then here is a brief history:

  • June 28, 1969 is known as the Stonewall Uprising people were enjoying themself at a prominent gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village when a police raid occurred resulting in bar patrons (including trans individuals) and employees being roughly hauled out of the bar resulting in six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside the bar on Christopher Street and neighboring streets.  
  • The following six months resulted in 2 gay activist groups which formed in New York and the beginning of a movement.
  • A year after the Stonewall Uprising, Brenda Howard, a bisexual activist, helped organize the first Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade where the theme was Say it Loud, Gay is Proud. This parade has over the years turned into the New York City Pride March. For this reason, Brenda is sometimes called the Mother of Pride. 
  • In the years immediately following the “Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade”, many other cities across the country had their own PRIDE parades and events.  Portland, Oregon, held its first PRIDE parade in 1975.
  • The PRIDE Flag was designed and used for the first time in San Francisco’s Pride March in 1978.  Harvey Milk asked a talented designer and friend named Gilbert Baker to create it for the event.
  • The movement that started with the Stonewall Uprising continued to grow throughout the remaining 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. This resulted in the forming of a number of prominent organizations including the Gay Liberation Front, the Human Rights Campaign, GLADD (formally Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)  and PFLAG (formerly Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
  • In June 1999, President Bill Clinton declared the anniversary of Stonewall every June in America as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. 
  • In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the officially recognized Pride Month to include the whole LGBTQ+ community.
  • In 2016, President Barack Obama designated the site of the Stonewall Uprising, including Christopher Park and the surrounding streets and sidewalks, as a national monument in recognition of the area’s contribution to gay rights.

PRIDE is an acronym that stands for Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence.

The PRIDE Flag has eight colors that represent the following:

  • Pink – Sexuality
  • Red – Life
  • Orange – Healing
  • Yellow – Sun
  • Green – Nature
  • Turquoise – art
  • Indigo – harmony
  • Violet – Soul
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Forever Free | Juneteenth | 2023

Jaclyn Baker

By: Christina Bein

June 19, 1865, commemorates the true enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery across the United States. President Abraham Lincoln declared the abolition of slavery on January 1, 1863. 

Texas was the last Confederate state to receive the news that those once enslaved are now free. Slavery in the Americas (North and South America) has a long history that recorded documentation shows it starting with with the indigenous people around 1492. 

Over 5 million Native Americans were enslaved before the slave trade for this racial group ended in 1750. It ended because of the decreasing numbers of indigenous people lost to illness and death, and there was increasing importation of African slaves to the Americas, about 12.5 million African people by 1880. 

All the while, between 1492-1750, Africans were being kidnapped from Africa and traded into slavery in Europe with a smaller amount that could sail to the Americas. 

Slavery with these racial groups (in North America) lasted for four centuries, ending with what we know in the U.S. to be Juneteenth.

Texas was formerly recognized as part of Mexico. 

It had become an independent country between 1836-1845, and by the end of 1845, Texas became the 28th state of the U.S. On March 2, 1861, Texas seceded and joined the Confederacy which included: Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South, Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. 

The Confederacy was never recognized as a sovereign nation, and it lasted from 1861-1865 on the basis of fighting to keep slavery legal. 

There is no conclusive answer as to why it took so long for Texas to receive this proclamation. 

Some historians believe it to be due to Texas being a Confederate state until General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army General Ulysses S. Grant in April of 1865. It still took two months to free the enslaved. 

Major General Gordon Granger and the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas to publicly announce the Emancipation Proclamation, thus, enforcing the freedom for over 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas.

Juneteenth is a combination of June and nineteen. It celebrates freedom from slavery for Black people/African-Americans. This day is also known as “Freedom Day” and promotes recognition of African-American heritage and culture.

The U.S. American history includes numerous contributions from the Black community.

Mary Van Brittan Brown invented the home security system in 1966 and patented it three years later. To this day, her designs influence how current home security systems are structured. Alexander Miles invented automatic elevator doors in 1887, which eliminated the risk of falling down elevator shafts from the previous manual elevator doors. 

In 1923 Garret Morgan created the three-light traffic signal that we use today. Thomas L. Jennings was the first African-American patent recipient in the U.S. for developing dry-cleaning of delicate clothing. Dr. Patricia Bath, the first female African American medical doctor, invented the laser cataract treatment machine in 1986. 

There are countless ways the Black community has contributed to and influenced American culture through time that spans from everyday product uses to music and art, sciences and education, and more. 

Read about Juneteenth

10 Black Inventors Who Changed Your Life.

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