Juneteenth has only been celebrated 4 years as a national holiday but today we are faced with new challenges as DEI, our educational system, our history, and human rights are being challenged. Our celebrations, however, will always be an important part of empowering our community.
As I wrote in 2021, "We can only imagine the joy, jubilation and trepidation of our ancestors on June 19, 1865 when Major General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and informed everyone that slavery was abolished. We know that it left enough of an impression that the day is still commemorated today. Juneteenth has become the independence day for African Americans.
One of the first things that the newly freed slaves did was to thank God and begin looking for family. In that spirit Juneteenth has continued to be a day of thanksgiving, prayer service, bringing together family, connecting with the past and celebrating our accomplishments."
Now after years of protest and strife, Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery has become a federal holiday. Although the holiday is symbolic, it is hoped that this will be a catalyst and another step toward addressing the systemic problems of racisms. Hopefully, children will learn the story of Junetenth in their homes, and schools will provide a more accurate history of Black people in America. While Juneteenth recognizes over a century and a half of progress, it also reminds Americans more work is needed to continue to build a more equitable and unified nation.
Many thanks to Opal Lee who has lobbied for decades to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Today Juneteenth has become a day of either gathering with family and friends, or practicing self care, enjoying rest and restoration.
Happy Juneteenth!
