Through one of the darkest periods in American history, emerges a joyous and momentous holiday that commemorates the freedom of the last slaves in what became to be known as Juneteenth. This holiday is not widely known throughout the United States; however, given the current political climate of the Black Lives Matter movement, Juneteenth ought to bear more significance to our collective social awareness and American history.
A brief history on Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, in June 19th, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas where the last known 250,000 illegally held African Americans were given word of the Emancipation Proclamation and subsequently set free. Afterwards, the emancipated people reportedly dressed up despite the fact that it was frowned upon and celebrated their freedom.
A few very important events occurred leading to Juneteenth. In 1863 President Lincoln declared his Emancipation Proclamation. In April of 1865, the North won the Civil War and in December of 1865, the 13th Amendment was ratified to the Constitution that abolished slavery in the United States. It was in the former Confederate State of Texas where enslavers held the illegal use of freed slaves to work.
The theories as to why two years after the 13th Amendment, they still had slaves were either word had not reached about the freedom for African Americas or because enslavers were opposed to the laws and chose not to inform the freed African Americans. Either way, Juneteenth, which the name is given from combining the word June with the word nineteenth, marks an important date that celebrates and commemorates the abolishment of slavery.
Even though the holiday has carried on for 155 years, Juneteenth has not received as widespread of recognition for many reasons. For instance, it is not considered a state holiday in all states nor a federal holiday in any state despite the powerful symbolization of freedom that June 19th entails for millions of Americans.
So far, there have been several activists and foundations who have tried to convince politicians to enact Juneteenth as a federal holiday, yet no official word on their progress has been made from both parties. Recently, there has been a shift where numerous companies, such as Uber and Google, have opted to recognize Juneteenth as a ‘corporate holiday’ by giving their employees the day off in observance.
The historic moment made by Major General Granger and the celebration from the freed slaves of Texas has not gone in vein. The significance behind the day is not so much to raise awareness about the date, but rather about how we, as Americans, can use this moment to learn from the past and what it has to teach us.
Juneteenth may not be as celebrated or recognized as Independence Day or Easter Day, but the importance of this day is not to make it an official holiday, but rather to raise conversation about race relations and systemic racism. After all, the root objective of the Black Lives Matter movement is about the cessation of systemic racism and the endurance of oppression in society.
Whether you celebrate Juneteenth or not, it is undeniably a part of American history and one that should have more basis in society now more than ever. If one should feel just cause to celebrate Juneteenth, but don’t know where to start, then here are a few ways how. Read several books on Juneteenth or on slavery. Watch videos on the history of African Americans and on racism. Engage in a civil dialogue with your friends or family about race.
If that is jarring for a discussion, then begin with the plight of your ancestors coming to America or what you value most about this country. Hold a BBQ, but be mindful and take proper measures following the CDC guidelines.
So this Juneteenth make sure to do something thoughtful to celebrate an importance in our American history and in the African American community. Happy Juneteenth folks.
