Juneteenth Holiday

Juneteenth, America’s latest federal holiday, made the news during the summer of 2021 when President Biden officially signed it into law. Until now, this important date in US history was only celebrated in certain communities. 

Juneteenth Freedom Day

Juneteenth is an important day in American history that celebrates the day when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned about their emancipation from slavery. It is celebrated annually on June 19th and is a day of reflection, celebration, and education. Juneteenth is a day to remember the struggles of African Americans and to recognize the progress that has been made in the fight for civil rights. 

Finally, more than 150 years later, the whole of the country recognizes this important day. The fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday lasted for decades. Texas officially recognized the holiday in 1980. African Americans moving to other states from Texas brought the celebration to the rest of the nation.

It is also a day to celebrate the resilience of African Americans and their contributions to American society. Juneteenth is a day to honor the past and look to the future with hope and optimism.

The History of Juneteenth and Its Significance Today

The history of Juneteenth dates back to 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas. They came with news that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were now free. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all enslaved people in the US. 

Many slave owners in Confederate states, however, were determined to keep enslaved workers in the dark about their newfound freedom. Without control over the South, the federal government was unable to enforce the new emancipation. Due to this, many African Americans continued to suffer the brutal enforcement of slavery, despite the fact it was no longer legal.

Finally, on June 19th, the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas to spread the news. Union general Gordon Granger read General Order 3, declaring that the 250,000 enslaved people in the area were now free. Slave owners could no longer hide the truth and former slaves held small celebrations around Texas upon hearing the news. 

After more than 200 years of slavery, The Reconstruction period began. Former slaves now worked together to build communities where they could live, work, and try to make their way in a new world. Unfortunately, the wounds of slavery did not heal in just a few generations and the fight for civil rights and equal treatment continues to this day.

Juneteenth Today

Ever since that fateful day in 1865, Juneteenth has been a day of celebration for African Americans. It is a day to remember the struggles of the past and to celebrate the progress that has been made since then. It is also a day to recognize the ongoing fight for civil rights and racial justice.

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated in many different ways. Some communities hold parades and festivals, while others gather for picnics and barbecues. Formal events lead celebrations with the hymn “Lift Every Voice”, otherwise referred to as the Black National Anthem.  There are also educational events and lectures that focus on African American history and culture.

During the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement, the holiday was again in the news. Many student protestors wore Juneteenth pins and The 1968 Poor Peoples’ March to Washington, D.C. ended with Juneteenth celebrations. 

Juneteenth Celebration Ideas

Don’t know what you can do to celebrate Juneteenth in a respectful manner?

If you’re looking for ways to commemorate Juneteenth, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Educate yourself. Take some time to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and the African American experience in the United States. Read books, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts. (Psst, here’s a link to all the different NPR Podcasts and playlists on the topic of Juneteenth, learn more about the holiday and the people responsible for bringing it to our nation’s attention https://www.npr.org/series/1007252715/juneteenth.)

2. Celebrate with friends and family. Gather your loved ones and celebrate with a picnic, a cookout, or a potluck. You can also host a virtual gathering if you’re not able to be together in person.

3. Support Black-owned businesses. Show your support for the Black community by patronizing Black-owned businesses. Whether you’re shopping for food, clothes, or going out on the town, look for businesses owned by African Americans.

4. Donate to a cause. Consider donating to an organization that supports the Black community. There are many organizations that are working to promote racial justice and equality. Here’s a directory of several national non-profits. Check to see if there are any in your own local area! https://www.everyaction.com/blog/black-led-nonprofits-making-history/

5. Participate in a Juneteenth event. Many cities and towns host Juneteenth celebrations and events. Check your local listings to see what’s happening in your area.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Juneteenth, take some time to reflect on the history of this holiday and the struggles of the African American community. Let’s use this day to honor the past and look forward to a brighter future.

A Day of Reflection

Within the museum at The Hall of State in Fair Park, Dallas, is the only known copy of the military orders known as the “Juneteenth Document”.

Forgetting our shared history is the best way to repeat the same mistakes in the next generation.

How are you celebrating Juneteenth 2023? We’d love to hear about it.

Feature photo credit: Thank you to the KC Ballet Media for use of their photo – KC Ballet.

Check out: https://thecultureties.com/national-hispanic-heritage-month