Happy African American freedom day! For many black people in the United States, Juneteenth is pretty much our 4th of July. What a happy month June has be coming, celebrating the notion of "omnia vincit amor" (love conquers all) with Pride, and the celebration of African American culture and our freedom!
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19.
The name Juneteenth comes from combining the words "June" and "nineteenth." It is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865 (two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued). Though announced 2 and a half years later, which is disappointing in many ways, it is a time to celebrate and rejoice that African Americans are finally being seen as worthy and as human beings, as we ALWAYS should have been.
Originating in Galveston, Juneteenth has since been observed annually in various parts of the United States, often broadly celebrating African-American culture.
In June 2021, Congress passed a resolution establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday; President Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021.
Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the history of slavery in the United States and to celebrate the progress that has been made since then. It is also a day to celebrate African-American culture and to continue the fight for equality and justice.
There are many ways we can celebrate the beauty of Juneteenth and uphold its many traditions, including, but not limited to:
Gatherings with family and friends. Juneteenth is a time to come together with loved ones to celebrate freedom and African-American culture. These gatherings often include cookouts and other outdoor activities.
Red foods and drinks. In many cultures, red is associated with blood, which is often seen asa symbol of life and freedom. The red foods and drinks eaten on Juneteenth are a way to celebrate the freedom that African Americans finally achieved after centuries of slavery. In many African cultures, red is a sacred color that is often associated with power, strength, and fertility.
The red foods and drinks eaten on
Juneteenth are a way to connect with African heritage and to celebrate the resilience of the African American community. In the hot summer months, red foods and drinks can be a refreshing way to celebrate Juneteenth. Some of the most popular red foods and drinks eaten on Juneteenth include red velvet cake, red beans and rice, watermelon, hibiscus tea and strawberry soda.
Music and dancing. Music and dancing are an important part of Juneteenth celebrations. People often gather to sing, dance, and listen to live music.
Educational events. Many Juneteenth celebrations include educational events that teach people about African-American history and culture. These events can take many forms, such as lectures, workshops, and museum exhibits.
Community service. Some people choose to celebrate Juneteenth by volunteering their time to help others in their community. This can involve working with organizations that provide food, shelter, or other services to people in need.
Celebrate black owned business, especially the small businesses in your area.
It is important to keep educating ourselves and others about African American history. Not just our history, but the history of others, which makes this country beautiful. What the government is doing, by banning our history from being learned is being done to the detriment of the future generations to come. But, not all learning needs to be done in the classroom. I challenge everyone to continue to learn and grow on their own. No one can erase what has happened in the past. We are to keep learning and sharing with others.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Juneteenth is a day to remember and honor the legacy of African-Americans in the United States.
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