Observed on June 19, “Juneteenth” is a federal holiday that celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States.
During the American Civil War in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This granted freedom to over three million slaves from Confederate states. News traveled slowly and it took two years for African Americans in Texas to learn the news. Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, and informed residents that slavery was abolished. This led to former slaves celebrating with feasts, songs, dance and prayer. Because of this victory in Texas, the celebration became a state holiday there in 1980.
It wasn’t until June 15, 2021, that the U.S. Senate approved a bill for “Juneteenth” to become a legal public holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475 (S. 475) into law approving the federal holiday.
The name “Juneteenth” comes from combining the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
The holiday is also known by some other names such as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence day.
Celebrating “Juneteenth” is significant as it marks a time of liberation for enslaved people. It reminds people of everything African Americans endured and focuses on reflection and education of America’s painful history.
In early days, African Americans were often prohibited from using public facilities so they gravitated toward churches and outdoor celebrations.
The holiday is considered the “longest-running African American holiday” and now is often celebrated with picnics, rodeos, fairs, family get-togethers, parades, cookouts, parties at the park, historical reenactments, blues festivals and more.
Food and drink are hugely important to these celebrations. Barbeque sauce slathers over ribs, chicken and brisket at many “Juneteenth” gatherings. Many of the foods are typically red because of the lack of color in the foods slaves were given. Some say that red foods also represent the blood that slaves shed during their working days.
Now, celebrations are filled with red foods such as strawberries, red velvet cake and strawberry soda.
There are many easy ways to commemorate “Juneteenth.” One way to do so is to visit a Black history museum or by doing online research. Studying the Civil Rights Movement and anti-racism is a respectful and insightful way to honor the holiday and what it means.
Another way to celebrate is by supporting Black-owned restaurants and shops. This is a purposeful way to honor the Black community and all of their past and current achievements. A Google search can lead to many lists of businesses to buy from.
On or around June 19 each year, there are plenty of events to go to honoring the holiday. On June 18, the Faulkner County NAACP is hosting a “Juneteenth” event from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Simon Park. It will feature a DJ and free food, but this is just one of several events in the central Arkansas area.
Donating to Black-focused causes is an appreciable way to observe the holiday. A few reputable causes are the Black Lives Matter movements, Color of Change or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
A list of 24 nonprofits can be found at https://www.everyaction.com/blog/black-led-nonprofits-making-history/.