Happy Juneteenth!

We must learn from our history. We must teach our children our history because it is part of our history as a nation. Today is a day of celebration. It is not only a day of pride. It is also  a day for us to affirm and rededicate ourselves to action.

Kamala Harris

In 2019 I wrote,  '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 a year of protest and strife, Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery has become a federal holiday. By unanimous consent, the Senate approved legislation designating June 19, or Juneteenth, as a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S.  Under the legislation, the federal holiday would be known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.   The bill then headed to the House of Representatives, where its passage was assured, then on to President Biden’s desk for signature into law. Although the holiday is symbolic, it is hoped that this will be a catalyst for addressing the systemic problems of racisms. Hopefully, children will learn the story of Juneteenth in their homes, and schools will provide a more accurate history of Black people in America.

Many thanks to Opal Lee who has lobbied for decades to make Juneteenth a national holiday. 

Google commissions artists to create doodles for special events like Juneteenth, learn more about Rachelle Baker on their site.

Today’s Doodle for Google, illustrated by Detroit-based guest artist Rachelle Baker, honors Juneteenth,  celebrating the liberation of Black enslaved people in the United States. On this day in 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received news of the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order that mandated the end of slavery in Confederate states during the American Civil War. 

The Doodle artwork for Juneteenth celebrates joy within the Black community, as well as the perseverance foundational to this journey toward liberation. With each letter, the Doodle transitions from historical Juneteenth parades to modern-day traditions such as education through storytelling, outdoor gatherings with family and friends, and commemorative festivals and parades. These scenes of celebration and community are brightened by bluebonnets—the state flower of Texas—and forget-me-nots that are layered upon backgrounds of decorative ironwork commonly found on buildings throughout the southern states. This ironwork highlights the often forgotten contributions made by enslaved Black Americans and symbolizes their strength and resilience. 

Baker further explains her inspiration, "I looked at tons of photos and art illustrating some of the first ever Juneteenth celebration, as well as celebrations, parades, and festivities from recent years. I also read about specific symbols, foods, colors, and activities that were and continue to be important in celebrating and commemorating this holiday."

While Juneteenth recognizes over a century and a half of progress, it also reminds Americans to continue to build a more equitable and unified nation. 

Happy Juneteenth!