By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Juneteenth, Understanding and Celebrating the US Holiday
Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, has been celebrated annually on June 19 since the enactment of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act by President Joe Biden in 2021.
Origins of Juneteenth
Juneteenth traces its origins to June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This significant event occurred months following the Union's victory over the Confederacy in the Civil War. The announcement by General Gordon Granger is widely regarded as marking the true end of slavery in the United States. The term "Juneteenth" is a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," signifying the date of this historical event.
Federal Holiday Status
Juneteenth became a federal holiday after a long journey. Initially recognized as a state holiday in Texas in 1980, other states gradually followed suit, with South Dakota being the last to acknowledge it. While Senator Barack Obama once co sponsored legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday, it was not until the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 that the legislation gained significant traction. Congress swiftly passed the bill in June 2021, and President Biden's signature made it official, marking the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
One prominent advocate for Juneteenth’s federal recognition was Opal Lee. At age 89, she undertook a symbolic walk from Texas to Washington, D.C., in 2016, covering 2.5 miles daily to highlight the delayed liberation of Texas slaves. Her efforts culminated in a national holiday, which she celebrated with a mixture of emotions, emphasizing that Juneteenth is an "American thing," not just a Texas or Black thing.
Celebrations Across the US
Juneteenth celebrations vary across the country. Federal and many private businesses close in observance, while the participation of state government employees depends on state specific recognition of the day. Festivities include parades, festivals, block parties, picnics, church services, rodeos, contests, and concerts. Barbecues are particularly popular, fostering community and family gatherings. Many people support black owned businesses and restaurants, and some attend events focusing on ongoing racial inequalities.
Significance of Juneteenth
While Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery, it also highlights the persistent struggle against racism. The post emancipation era saw the introduction of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and limited civil rights for Black Americans. The legacies of these laws are still being addressed today. Recent incidents of police violence against African Americans, such as the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, have spurred nationwide anti racism protests. Juneteenth also intersects with broader cultural debates about how the history of slavery should be taught in American schools.
In conclusion, Juneteenth not only commemorates a pivotal moment in American history but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice.