Social media accounts of America’s leading professional sports leagues embraced the federal Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black individuals in the U.S. This stance contrasts how these leagues approached the start of Pride Month.
NFL’s Response to Juneteenth and Pride Month
The National Football League (NFL), the most prominent professional league in the nation, celebrated Juneteenth by reposting some teams’ recognition of the day. Despite acknowledging Juneteenth, the NFL remained silent on social media during the start of Pride Month on June 1. The NFL’s X account, with over 36 million followers, and its Instagram account, with 32 million followers, did not mention Pride Month.
A notable difference was seen among the NFL’s 32 teams, where all but one acknowledged Juneteenth. In contrast, multiple teams, including the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints, decided not to celebrate the start of Pride Month. Most of these teams did not celebrate Pride Month last year either.
The Detroit Lions were the only NFL team that did not acknowledge Juneteenth, despite previously showing support for social justice causes. The Lions altered their logo with rainbow colors during Pride Month to honor the LGBTQ community but did not recognize Juneteenth, a day significant to Black Americans.
NHL and Other Leagues
The NHL did not comment on Juneteenth on its social media, making it the only major sports league to do so. The NBA and MLB did acknowledge Juneteenth. Despite earlier support for Pride Month, the NHL’s silence on Juneteenth was notable.
The Texas Rangers remain the only MLB team not holding a Pride Month day or night at the ballpark, although they celebrated Juneteenth.
Importance of Social Justice Recognition
This varied approach matters in a nation increasingly divided by social justice issues. Fans often care about where their teams stand, which can lead to both satisfaction or disappointment depending on opinions.
In the past, teams focused solely on sports; however, they now frequently support causes, months, and holidays, sending strong statements through celebration or omission.
Juneteenth History
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union Army Major General Gordon Granger informed enslaved people in Texas of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln signed this executive order in 1863, but it did not free all enslaved people. Congress passed the 13th Amendment in January 1865, abolishing slavery, ratified by the states in December 1865.
In 2020, President Donald Trump supported making Juneteenth a holiday, but after losing the election, President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2021.