Juneteenth

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and remembrance. It is an opportunity to honor the resilience, strength and contributions of African Americans throughout history.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on June 19th in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas and signifies the end of slavery in the United States.

Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in June 2021, a day after the Senate passed the bill with unanimous consent. President Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021, two days before Juneteenth.

Historical Background

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, went into effect on January 1, 1863. However, news of the proclamation and the end of slavery did not reach the enslaved African Americans there immediately. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery in accordance with the proclamation. This event is known as "Juneteenth" and has since become a significant date in African American history.

Later attempts to explain this two-and-a-half-year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another is that federal troops waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or none of these versions could be true. Whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory. (https://www.juneteenth.com/history/)

While Texas was the last Confederate state where the proclamation was announced, it was the first to recognize the date of June 19 – Juneteenth – statewide. The inaugural Juneteenth to commemorate the official day enslaved people in Galveston were freed began in 1866. The holiday spread across the country as African Americans migrated away from the South.

Significance and Celebration

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and remembrance. It is an opportunity to honor the resilience, strength and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the struggles endured by enslaved people and their journey toward freedom.

Various activities and events are held on Juneteenth to commemorate the occasion. These may include parades, concerts, picnics, art exhibits, historical reenactments and educational programs. It is a time for communities to come together, reflect on the past, and embrace the progress made in the fight for equality and justice.

Symbolism and Traditions

Juneteenth is associated with several symbols and traditions:

Juneteenth Flag: The Juneteenth flag was created by Ben Haith in 1997. It features a horizontal tricolor design with red, white and blue. The color red represents resilience, the color white symbolizes purity and the color blue represents perseverance.
Traditional Food: Food plays a vital role in Juneteenth celebrations. Traditional dishes may include barbecue, fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, sweet potato pie and red drinks like hibiscus tea or red soda, symbolizing resilience and ingenuity.
Educational Programs: Many communities organize educational programs and discussions about African American history, the legacy of slavery and the ongoing fight for equality. These programs aim to promote awareness and understanding among all individuals.

Importance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth holds immense historical and cultural significance. It marks a pivotal moment in American history, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. By learning about Juneteenth, we can foster empathy, acknowledge the injustices of the past, and work together to create a more inclusive and equitable future.

Conclusion

Juneteenth is a significant holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength and contributions of African Americans throughout history. By celebrating Juneteenth and promoting awareness, we can honor the struggle for freedom and equality while striving for a more just society.

Remember, Juneteenth is not just a holiday for African Americans, but for everyone to recognize and appreciate the rich cultural heritage and ongoing struggle for equality.