Today I learned about Juneteenth when a fellow FanGirl Nation Contributor mentioned it in a post. I chuckled at the name and was quickly informed that it was a REAL holiday. To my amazement, I read articles and information surrounding this celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation and it’s history. I was NEVER taught about this holiday. In fact, despite having completed undergraduate AND graduate level degrees I was NEVER informed of this holiday in ALL my studies. This is something I feel needs to be rectified so here I am, sharing with all of you the glory that is Juneteenth!
About Juneteenth
So what IS Juneteenth? It is a holiday in the USA that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. Over the years it has evolved into a full celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation and the traditions of African American culture. Observation of this holiday is primarily focused in Texas however; individuals known as Mascogos (descendants of African Seminoles) also celebrate this holiday. As people leave Texas, the celebration of this underrated holiday is expanding and knowledge of it is growing.
A Bit of Perspective
Here to assist me with better explaining Juneteenth is fellow Fangirl Nation Contributor Amanda Conley! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to discuss this holiday with us Amanda!
As a person of color, what does Juneteenth mean to you?
Juneteenth is basically black Independence Day! It’s the day that in Texas, the last of the slaves were finally freed. The history goes like this: Texas held out for a while after the Emancipation Proclamation and finally on June 19th, 1865: Texas freed the slaves. So for me, it’s like the 4th of July but truly one that does stand for freedom for all.
That is so cool! In the contentious atmosphere of today, are there people in the white community who contest your celebrating this holiday?
Not actively as in bashing the holiday. I mostly get white people who don’t know about the holiday at all or will continue to diminish how horrible slavery was.
As someone married to a POC, I see on a daily basis how people are treated. Slavery tainted what should have been a positive perspective on a strong set of peoples. I agree that its cruelty and the severity of its impact should not be diminished. So what do you do on Juneteenth? Is it a personal celebration OR something you commit to with Family and Friends?
When I was a kid, my Dad’s side of the family especially celebrated the holiday more with barbecues and family get-togethers. Nowadays, it’s mostly a holiday that is just spent mindful and thoughtful. It’s a greeting my friends and I share with each other of all races. I get to celebrate Independence while also being aware of the fact that we still very much have a long way to go.
Yes, we do have a long way to go. If this holiday became a national celebration, how would you want it represented?
I would like it to be a federal holiday akin to Independence Day. That’s what it is for African-Americans in Texas and honestly, should be recognized all over. It took one state’s stubbornness to be a serious issue and it was a perpetuation of a horrendous legacy of pain in the United States.
I agree. What’s wrong with celebrating independence from slavery? It should honestly be more widely spoken of and taught. So let’s do that, let’s make this Juneteenth special. Is there anything about this holiday that you would like to share with the world? Anything you want to make them aware of to help shine a brighter light on this annual event?
I would just encourage people to research the holiday! It’s sort of obscure as really it’s an important day for Texans and African-American Texans. I do think more should listen to the stories their friends and/or loved ones tell. I’m always happy to share the story of Juneteenth and talk frankly and honestly about what it means to be black in America. I want people to understand that slavery happened, was terrible and Americans still have not truly lived up to that horrible legacy; that is why African-Americans are so celebratory when it comes to Juneteenth. It is the day that we were freed from bondage; that we were fully people not just ⅗ of a person or just a white man’s property. It forces a gaze upon what is a painful but still historically fairly recent part of American History and should be studied, acknowledged and celebrated.
In Conclusion
SHARE THIS HOLIDAY! Take the words of wisdom and excitement above from Amanda to heart. Acknowledge the past so we can forge a better future for ALL races, creeds, genders, sexes and everything in between!
