On June 19, all Black Americans across the United States should celebrate Juneteenth, (June 19th) and observe the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day is our freedom holiday.
In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass before the news reached Blacks living in Texas. When the Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, and spread the news that slavery had been abolished, the former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. I can imagine the feeling and thoughts of the excitement and joy that was felt. It surely is comparable to the way Blacks in Chicago celebrated in 1991 when Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA championship.
The first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas, and within a few years, celebrations were made an annual tradition all across America. They typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings, and picnics. And let’s not forget the fun festivals with music, food, and dancing. With 144 million Americans fully vaccinated from Covid-19, hopefully, the celebrations of Juneteenth can continue responsibly and safely. It’s time we celebrate our culture and the achievements of Black Americans.
Chicago Celebrates Juneteenth!
Chicago has gotten on the Juneteenth bandwagon with a week-long celebration. Juneteenth isn’t until Saturday, but events are happening all week leading to June 19. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the City Black Caucus, the Black Remembrance Project, and other elected officials participated in a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at Daley Plaza. Virtual celebrations will take place and a health and resource fair will take place at Malcolm X College on the near West Side.
For the first time, Juneteenth will be a paid Cook County holiday and Gov. JB Pritzker will sign a bill this week making Illinois the 47th state to make Juneteenth a state holiday. June 19, 2022, will become the 13th official city holiday, along with King’s birthday, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, President’s Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Chicago alderman tried to make it a city holiday, “but the city could not afford to do so during the pandemic,” said Mayor Lightfoot. It was estimated making Juneteenth a holiday would cost the city $100 million.
Slavery might have officially ended in 1865, but America is still dealing with the scars that were left from the sins of our White counterparts. Few people want to talk about it, let alone do so nothing about it. Racism and prejudice still remain and it’s a slow hill to climb. But steady is the race.
I’m glad that the powers that be refuse to ignore our Black history – our suffering, resilience, and contributions to building America. Yet there is still much work to be done.
Raising the Importance of Juneteenth
Last year, millions of Americans took to the streets to protest racial injustice in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans. The protest movement started a movement. Systemic racism and police brutality was the dialogue of the day. Companies like Nike, Twitter, and Uber are now giving employees paid days off.
Activists have pushed for even wider recognition of Juneteenth, and Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange have acknowledged its importance. TV shows including “Black-ish” and “Atlanta” had centered theme’s on Juneteenth.
New York has announced its annual Juneteenth 3-day summit, where 5,000 people attended in 2019, and 20,000 attended virtually in 2020. The festival features talent show performances, health and wellness screening centers, educational activities for kids, and much more.
Juneteenth is a time of reflection. A time of conversations and dialogue centered around race and equality. To celebrate Juneteenth, Black-owned business should be celebrated and supported. Black artists, books written by Black poets and artists should be supported as well. Support your Black-owned organizations.
Keep the Conversation Going!
Some states are trying to stifle the impact of slavery and racism. Some state lawmakers are exploring slavery and racism’s impact by banning school discussions of the long-lasting effects of slavery, systemic racism, and critical race theory. There seems to be a concentrated effort to limit the public relearning of what it asks America to remember: how the nation’s early history of enslaving African Americans affects current legislation that restricts voter access and marginalizes voters of color.
The events of 1865 in Texas should not be forgotten because our roots tie back to this day. Juneteenth’s celebration is a testament to the will of Black Americans to honor the end of slavery. Now that we have a moment, a national moment, let’s embrace it.
Juneteenth. Let’s embrace it proudly, remembering those who suffered in bondage all those years. We need to continue to remind the country about the pains we’ve experienced all those years to avoid going back to them.
Sylvester Cosby is the Digital Editor and a Contributing Writer for N’DIGO.
