Celebrating Freedom: Understanding Juneteenth and its Significance
Let’s take a journey into American history to learn about a special day called Juneteenth. It's a day of joy, reflection, and education that holds immense significance in our country.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, is a holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865. On this day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued on January 1, 1863.
The Emancipation Proclamation declared that enslaved people in Confederate-held territories were to be freed. However, enforcement of this proclamation generally relied on the arrival of Union troops, and Texas, being the most remote of the slave states, had seen a huge influx of slaveholders and their enslaved people during the Civil War. This meant that the news of emancipation was slow to spread there, and many enslaved people in Texas remained in bondage until Granger’s arrival in 1865.
When General Granger arrived, he read out General Order No. 3, which began: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
Juneteenth marks this date when the last enslaved people in the Confederacy were freed. The announcement sparked jubilation among the newly freed people. It has since been celebrated annually with various festivities, both small and large, across parts of the United States.
On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday, following the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. This act acknowledged the importance of Juneteenth in the history of the United States and the impact it continues to have today.
Why is Juneteenth important?
So why does Juneteenth matter? To answer this question, we need to take a step back and look at the larger picture. Juneteenth is a powerful symbol of freedom and equality, it represents the end of a long and painful chapter in American history. It reminds us of the resilience of those who fought for their freedom and the long journey towards racial equality, a journey that continues today.
Juneteenth and Today's America
In the context of American history and culture today, Juneteenth is not just a date in the past. It's a celebration of progress, a recognition of struggle, and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal rights and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their race.
Celebrating Juneteenth: Activities for Families
Now, how can we observe Juneteenth in a meaningful way? Here are a few ideas for activities that families can do together:
Read Together:
There are many children's books about Juneteenth that can start great conversations about freedom, equality, and resilience. Some recommendations include "Juneteenth for Mazie" by Floyd Cooper and "All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom" by Angela Johnson.
Cook Together:
Traditional Juneteenth celebrations often include a feast. Why not prepare a meal together as a family? You can make dishes like red velvet cake or hibiscus tea, which are traditionally served on Juneteenth because the color red is a symbol of ingenuity and resilience in hardship. More recipe ideas are here.
Create Together:
Create artwork or write a poem or song about what freedom and equality mean to you. Some ideas to get you started are below:
The National Museum of African American History & Culture has created a guide complete with Juneteenth activities, resources, and a book list to support celebrating and understanding this holiday.
Learn Together:
Watch a documentary or film that discusses the history and significance of Juneteenth. Here are some film recommendations to get you started:
Juneteenth is more than a date—it's a pivotal moment in our nation's history that continues to reverberate through our lives today. By understanding its significance and observing it in meaningful ways, we can pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and commit ourselves to the ongoing work of achieving true equality.