Today we celebrate Juneteenth which commemorates the abolishment of slavery in Texas in 1865.
Also known as Independence Day, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, it is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The annual holiday took on new meaning in 2021, after US President Joe Biden announced it would be celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time, as reported. Juneteenth is now a national holiday in 47 states and Washington DC.
JUNETEENTH HISTORY
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Although slavery had officially been abolished in 1863 (two and a half years earlier, following President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation), it was not widely enforced in Texas, due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the order. However as Texas was the last state to have slavery abolished, 19 June – or ‘Juneteenth’ – became the official day to celebrate the emancipation of the slaves.
Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasises education and achievement. “It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future,” stated the official website Juneteenth.com. “Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.”
The day is celebrated in many ways across the US, including barbecues, baseball, rodeos, fishing, family get togethers, etc. For more information check out Juneteenth.com.
Juneteenth this year falls on Father’s Day. Here’s how Dove Men+Care is celebrating Father’s Day with its latest campaign #CelebratingBLackDads.
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