It's Juneteenth. Show of Hands: Who Knows What That Means?
Many are enjoying today’s federal holiday. Most probably have no idea how it came to be.
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On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people had been freed by executive order. The day became known as Juneteenth, a combination of “June” and “19th.”
The Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves had actually been issued by President Abraham Lincoln more than two years earlier, on Jan. 1, 1863. The news didn’t reach Texas until 1865 — and two months after Lincoln had been assassinated. Because June 19 was the date that the entire nation knew of the proclamation. It became the official day of celebration.
The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves only in those states not under Union control. In addition, it was contingent upon the Union’s military victory. Slavery was abolished nationwide by the 13th Amendment, which was ratified on Dec. 6, 1865.
Although former slaves were advised to remain with their former masters on an “employer-employee” basis, many immediately headed north to reunite with family members and start a new, free life.
Fittingly, the state where Juneteenth took place was the first to declare the day a state holiday.
The original flag was the brainchild of Ben Haith, activist and founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration. In 1997, he collaborated with illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf to formally design the flag. It was revised in 2000 and then in 2007 the date “June 19, 1865” was added.
The red, white and blue colors of the flag reflect the colors of the American flag and serve as a reminder that slaves and their descendants are Americans.
The background of a red and blue curve represents a new horizon and new opportunities for Black Americans.
The white star in the center stands for two things. The first is Texas, the Lone Star State, where Juneteenth originated. The second is the freedom of Black Americans in all 50 states.
The burst around the star is a nova, a new star. It represents a new beginning for Black Americans
While parades and concerts take place across the country, different regions have put their own unique spins on celebrations. In the South, there are oral histories and barbecues. In some states, Black nationalist Marcus Garvey is honored with a namesake salad made with red, green and black beans. Across the southwest, rodeos have become part of many communities’ festivities.
The food and beverages served at the earliest Juneteenth celebrations were red, to symbolize the blood shed by slaves. To this day, strawberry soda is on the menu at most Juneteenth events.
The 10-acre parcel of land was purchased in 1872 by former slaves Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Elias Dibble and Jack Yates. They paid $800 for the property.
The park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
In 2016, Opal Lee began a 1,400-mile walk from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., in hopes of meeting with President Barak Obama about creating a national holiday for Juneteenth. She walked in 14 states and Washington, D.C.
A retired teacher and counselor, she has been dubbed “the grandmother of Juneteenth.” Lee had been campaigning for the holiday for decades before she began her walk.
When President Biden signed the bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday, the then 94-year-old Lee was front and center at the White House ceremony (second from left, in white dress) and later received a standing ovation when introduced by the president.
This year, as she has done every year, Lee marked Juneteenth with a 2.5-mile Walk for Freedom through the streets of Fort Worth.
In 2016, Opal Lee began a 1,400-mile walk from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., in hopes of meeting with President Barak Obama about creating a national holiday for Juneteenth. She walked in 14 states and Washington, D.C.
A retired teacher and counselor, she has been dubbed “the grandmother of Juneteenth.” Lee had been campaigning for the holiday for decades before she began her walk.
When President Biden signed the bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday, the then 94-year-old Lee was front and center at the White House ceremony (second from left, in white dress) and later received a standing ovation when introduced by the president.
This year, as she has done every year, Lee marked Juneteenth with a 2.5-mile Walk for Freedom through the streets of Fort Worth.
Today the U.S. observes Juneteenth, its youngest national holiday. President Biden signed the bill establishing it as a federal holiday last year, just two days before it was marked for the first time.
“Great nations don’t ignore their most painful moments,” President Biden said during 2021’s bill signing ceremony. “They embrace them. In short, this day doesn’t just celebrate the past. It calls for action today.”
The holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., is making only its second appearance as a national holiday. But it has been celebrated in Black communities since 1866. This makes it the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
Juneteenth is actually June 19, but as a federal holiday it’s observed on the closest Monday.
Juneteenth was recognized by almost every state and by presidential proclamations before 2020. But the death of George Floyd and subsequent political activism prompted the creation of a formal federal holiday.
A Day for Reflection
Project 21 is a national leadership network of Black conservatives sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research. The network provides research and commentary on public policy issues. For 23 years, Project 21 members have promoted Juneteenth as a means of encouraging community, self-improvement and American exceptionalism.
“Juneteenth is a great time for all Americans to reflect upon the many invaluable contributions that black Americans have made to establish America as a great nation and to make it what it is in the world today,” said Project 21 member and pastor James Jackson. “The Juneteenth holiday is a great time for Americans to talk with each other and their children about Juneteenth’s significance and how important it is to make sure that our children are informed about the truths and realities of slavery.”
But what is Juneteenth all about, anyway? For a few quick facts on the history and observance of Juneteenth, scroll through the gallery above.
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