Key Takeaways:
- Juneteenth marks the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865.
- The holiday celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality.
- It wasn’t widely taught in schools, but HBCUs and Black communities have kept its history alive.
- Understanding Juneteenth helps connect with the past and honor the journey toward true liberation.
What Is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States. It started in Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers announced that all enslaved people were free. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had technically freed enslaved people in Confederate states in 1863.
For many African Americans, especially those in the South, Juneteenth became a day of celebration. It symbolized freedom, new beginnings, and the strength of the Black community.
My Journey to Understanding Juneteenth I didn’t learn about Juneteenth in high school. Like many people, I vaguely heard the word but didn’t understand its importance. It wasn’t until I attended Southern University, a historically Black college in Louisiana, that I discovered the truth about Juneteenth.
The Afrocentric students on campuswere passionate about sharing Black history. They organized events, shared stories, and even taught us traditional songs and dances connected to Juneteenth. Through them, I learned why June 19 was so meaningful.
Learning about Juneteenth felt like uncovering a hidden piece of my identity. It connected me to my ancestors’ struggles and triumphs. For the first time, I felt proud to celebrate a holiday that was truly about my people’s freedom.
The History of Juneteenth Juneteenth is often called the “second independence day” in the U.S. It’s a reminder that freedom didn’t come immediately for all enslaved people. Even after the Emancipation Proclamation, slavery continued in some areas, especially in Texas, which was far from the rest of the Confederacy.
When the Civil War ended in April 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19. He announced General Order Number 3, which declared that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This was a moment of hope for thousands of African Americans.
Enslaved people in Galveston and across Texas were finally free to build new lives. Many left plantations, searched for their families, or started new communities. Their resilience and determination laid the foundation for future generations.
Why Juneteenth Matters Today Juneteenth is more than just a holiday. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work remains to achieve true equality. Today, people across the U.S. celebrate Juneteenth with parades, barbecues, music, and cultural events.
At Southern University, my friends and I celebrated Juneteenth by hosting a campus-wide event. We invited local artists, cooked traditional foods like collard greens and red velvet cake, and shared stories about our ancestors. It was a day of joy and reflection.
For me, Juneteenth is about honoring the past while looking toward the future. It’s a chance to remind ourselves that freedom is a journey, not a destination.
How I Celebrate Juneteenth Now that I know the history of Juneteenth, I make it a point to celebrate every year. I attend local events, cook traditional foods, and reflect on what freedom means to me.
I also share what I’ve learned with others. Just like the students at Southern University taught me, I believe it’s important to keep the story of Juneteenth alive.
Whether it’s through music, art, or just conversations with friends, I try to honor the spirit of Juneteenth. It’s a time to celebrate, but also to remember the sacrifices that made our freedom possible.
Conclusion Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the strength of the Black community. For me, discovering Juneteenth at Southern University was a life-changing experience. It connected me to my heritage and reminded me of the importance of fighting for justice.
As we move forward, let’s keep telling the story of Juneteenth. It’s a story of hope, freedom, and the power of the human spirit.