America will not be the land of the free until all citizens are truly “free.”
While Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the 1800s, it was not until 2021 that it was designated as a federal holiday.
This is not a food or travel blog, but as an African American Male Blogger, I believe it is vital for me to express my viewpoints.
In this blog, I’ll explain why everyone should celebrate Juneteenth.
What Is June teenth on June 19th
Juneteenth is short for June nineteenth (June 19th), became a federal holiday, officially signed into law by President Biden on 6/19/2021.
This public holiday pays respect to the end of slavery in the United States in 1865.
Brief History of Juneteenth
In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln to free all black slaves in the Confederate states.
However, the proclamation only applied to states that were under confederate control.
This created a bit of the problem because blacks were still being treated inhumane. Texas was one of these states.
1865 Declaration of Freedom
However, after much fight, bloodshed and tears, General Grander in 1865 declared freedom for over 250, 000 enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas.
Later that year, Slavery was eradicated and freedom reigned for black people through the adoption of the 13th amendment.
Freed Slaves were excited about this great news. They celebrated what was called “Jubilee Day” on June 19 with food, music and prayer.
These 3 forms of celebration, to date, are still part of our cultural norms at events in the black community.
Years later in 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday. (History.com)
“Juneteenth is a time to commemorate the anniversary of the delayed news of freedom reaching the enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas.
Today, we remember that struggle for freedom as we reflect on how far we’ve come as a country—and on the work that remains undone.” —Barack Obama
The Juneteeth holiday celebrates its one-year anniversary today, June 19, 2022.
It also happens to be Father’s Day. To all the fathers, a happy Juneteenth Father’s Day.
Even though Juneteeth commemorates the abolition of slavery, I feel that everyone, regardless of race, color, or ethnicity, should observe the holiday.
Not everyone, however, should celebrate it in the same way.
With this country’s terrible racial past of slavery, African Americans should rejoice in our freedom, how far we’ve come as a community.
We now have confidence in the opportunities for continued financial progress and affluence.
How Should You Celebrate Juneteenth?
For people outside of the black community, Juneteenth should be commemorated as a memorial of our forefathers’ pain and bloodshed, rather than as an attempt to erase the legacy of our ancestors’ struggle for freedom in return for a joyous message of racial progress.
More white people should band together to combat the terrible forces of greed, inequality, and racial biases.
These have invaded and rooted themselves in our laws, policies, schools, churches, health-care system, and political initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Juneteenth is an annual commemoration of the freedom for which our ancestors gave their lives so that we can enjoy some measure of liberty today.
However, as President Obama stated today, there is still more work to be done.
While June 19th is a well-deserved day of leisure and celebration, everyone should be aware of the lingering effects of racism and wealth disparity in our society.
The United States will not be the land of the free until all citizens are financially, spiritually, and mentally liberated.
Juneteenth Food Facts
Did You Know:
The bloodshed of our enslaved ancestors is symbolized by the crimson red color in Water Melon
, Cherries
, Red Velvet Cake
, and Red Drinks
, often served at Juneteenth events.
So remember all the lives that were sacrificed for our freedom the next time you go to a Juneteenth celebration or a cookout.
You will also enjoy reading my blog entitled “Is Inflation Contributing To The Destigmatization Of SNAP Food Stamps?“
Wow now I have every reason to celebrate . Thanks totally worth the read.
Thanks. Appreciate your comment.
This is an opportunity to educate others about African American history and culture. By celebrating Juneteenth, we can help build a better future for everyone.
Right on point Bruno. Thanks for dropping by.
Excellent article. There is still so much to be done. We have come far, but we have many more rivers to cross. Happy Juneteenth.
Thank you Malika. Happy Juneteenth to you as well.
Fantastic post.
I’m not sure what it’s like in the US but in the UK certain sections of white people have a real problem in addressing our horrific history and the role we played in slavery, if we willfully ignore this and fail to educate ourselves, we learn nothing and don’t help fight and stand against racism, meaning that ingrained bias and inequality remains.
We still have a long way to go.
Happy Juneteenth to you
Thank you Sarah. Appreciate the support.
Honestly never heard of juneteenth before, I’m glad I got to read this article, let’s all celebrate it!
This is an excellent article about why everyone should celebrate Juneteenth. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views. I have been following the American Historian Heather Cox Richardson, and she wrote an article about the history of how slavery ended this morning on her Substack page. Her work on this subject, including the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era, is fascinating.
Thank you Dana. Will check out her work.
I’m not an American so I don’t know all the history around this, but is it called Juneteenth because it’s a combination of the month it happened and it being the thirteenth amendment or is it from the date 19th?
Great post, I was able to learn a little more about black history in the US
It’s the 13th Amendment. Glad you were able to learn at least 1 thing about American history.
I’ve seen quite a few articles and news stories about brands and corporations trying to profit off Juneteenth and in the process lessening/loosing the real history of why this day should be commemorated. This was a really interesting read (especially the history) — thanks so much for sharing your perspective!
I also saw the growing commercialization of the Juneteeth by these companies. But it’s a new federal holiday. Hopefully, over time, everyone will celebrate the true meaning of Juneteenth
I’d never heard of this before so thank you so much for sharing and educating me. I can imagine you’ve also educated a lot of people which is important. This is defiantly worth celebrating! Thank you so much for sharing with us Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Interesting post. I have heard of Juneteenth but did not know what it was. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome Charlie. Thanks for stopping by.