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Former first lady Michelle ObamaMichelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaThe Hill's Morning Report - Treasury, Fed urge more spending, lending to ease COVID-19 wreckage Budowsky: Michelle Obama or Tammy Duckworth for VP Michelle Obama urges class of 2020 to couple protesting with mobilizing, voting MORE released a statement Friday marking Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the abolishment of slavery in the U.S.

Most of us were taught that slavery came to an end when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But as is so often the case, the full promise of this country was delayed for segments of the African-American community. And for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, freedom didnt come until June 19, 1865, Obama shared on Twitter.

Here's what #Juneteenth means to me: pic.twitter.com/KlOoYwdzD5

On that date, Union Gen. Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation to former slaves in Galveston. Texas was the final state where the order was read after first being issued by Lincoln two years earlier.

Obama said Friday that what she loves about Juneteenth is that even in that extended wait, we still find something to celebrate.

Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress, she said.

The former first lady saidher own grandfathers, who were the grandchildren ofslaves, grew up during the Jim Crow era in the south and migrated north in search of a better life.

But even then, they were still shut out of jobs and schools and opportunities because of the color of their skin. But they pressed forward with dignity and with purpose, raising good kids, contributing to their communities, and voting in every election. And though they didnt live to see it themselves, I can see the smiles on their faces knowing that their great-granddaughters ended up playing ball in the halls of the White House a magnificent structure built by enslaved Americans, she said.

All across the country, there are so many more parts to this story the generations of families whose work and service and protest has led us forward, even if the promise we seek is often delayed. This Juneteenth, lets all pledge to keep using our voices and our votes to keep that story marching forward for our own children, and theirs, Obama added.

Former President Obama issued official Juneteenth proclamations yearly during his time in office. On Friday,he called the day a celebration of progress on Twitter.

It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possibleand there is still so much work to do, he shared.

Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. It's a celebration of progress. It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possibleand there is still so much work to do.https://t.co/5XCRdnk3iR

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Michelle Obama on Juneteenth: 'Work and service and protest has led us forward' | TheHill - The Hill