June 19th, often called “Juneteenth” or “Freedom Day,” holds profound importance in African American history. It stands as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. This holiday, sometimes referred to as “America’s second Independence Day,” marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward equality.
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing the long-awaited news that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were finally free.
The Historical Context of Juneteenth
The events of June 19, 1865, occurred more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation, while a monumental step, had limited immediate impact on Texas due to several factors. The limited presence of Union troops made it difficult to enforce the order effectively, and the demand for labor in Texas’s agricultural sector persisted. It wasn’t until General Robert E. Lee’s surrender in April 1865, that Union forces were strong enough to overcome the resistance of white slave owners and ensure the proclamation’s enforcement. The 2 ½ year delay between the Emancipation Proclamation and the actual freedom for enslaved people in Texas underscores the significance of Juneteenth as a day of true liberation.
The Dawn of Freedom and the Celebration of Juneteenth
The realization of freedom sparked immense celebration and jubilation among African Americans in Texas. Many sought to reunite with family members in neighboring states like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, while others migrated north in pursuit of genuine freedom. The celebration of June 19th became known as “Juneteenth,” and its significance grew with each passing year, fueled by increased participation from descendants.
The early Juneteenth celebrations served as a time for reassurance, prayer, and the reunification of families torn apart by slavery. Former slaves and their descendants made annual pilgrimages back to Galveston on June 19th, solidifying the date’s enduring importance.
Initially, interest in Juneteenth celebrations outside the African American community was limited. In some instances, there was even resistance, with public property being denied for Juneteenth festivities. Due to these restrictions, African Americans often held their celebrations at churches or in rural areas near rivers and creeks, where they could engage in activities like fishing, horseback riding, and barbecues.
The Evolution of Juneteenth Celebrations
As African Americans acquired land, they began to donate and dedicate it specifically for Juneteenth celebrations. One of the earliest documented land purchases for Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jack Yates, leading to the creation of Emancipation Park in Houston with $1,000 raised. Similarly, in Mexia, the local Juneteenth organization acquired Booker T. Washington Park, which had served as the Juneteenth celebration site since 1898.
There are accounts of Juneteenth activities being disrupted by white landowners who demanded that their laborers return to work. However, many landowners allowed their workers the day off, and some even contributed food and money to the celebrations. Over the decades, these annual gatherings flourished, with Booker T. Washington Park attracting as many as 20,000 African Americans during a week-long celebration, making it one of the state’s largest.
Juneteenth as an Official Holiday
Opal Lee, a pivotal figure in the Juneteenth movement, successfully advocated for its recognition as a national holiday.
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas, thanks to the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state legislator. This landmark legislation made Juneteenth the first emancipation celebration to receive official state recognition. Edwards has since been a tireless advocate for the widespread observance of Juneteenth across the United States.
In 1996, the first legislation to recognize “Juneteenth Independence Day” was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Subsequent congressional resolutions in 1997 and 2013 further acknowledged the significance of Juneteenth. By 2008, nearly half of the U.S. states observed the holiday in some capacity.
In 2016, Opal Lee, a former teacher and activist, walked 1,400 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., at the age of 89 to advocate for Juneteenth’s recognition as a national holiday.
On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill making Juneteenth a legal public holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475 into law, officially establishing “Juneteenth” as a federal holiday.
The Enduring Legacy of Juneteenth
Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of African Americans from slavery and serves as a time to acknowledge achievements and encourage continuous self-improvement. The day is marked by cultural expression, often with people wearing African garments, and is celebrated with food, music, games, and other activities that promote cultural awareness and community unity. It’s a time for creating and sharing memories to be passed down through generations.
In addition to celebrating freedom, Juneteenth also serves as a time for reflection and action. Consider these important actions you can take on Juneteenth:
- Register to vote: Exercise your right to participate in the democratic process.
- Contact elected officials: Voice your concerns and advocate for change.
- Share resources: Support organizations and initiatives that promote equality and justice.
- Serve on jury duty: Ensure fair representation in the legal system.
- Buy Black: Support Black-owned businesses to help close the racial wealth gap.
- Have inter-generational conversations: Foster communication and understanding between younger and older generations within the community.
- Support those on the front lines: Use your voice to support activists and organizations fighting for social justice.
Juneteenth is a day to honor the struggles and triumphs of African Americans and to reaffirm the commitment to equality and justice for all. Let us keep Juneteenth respected, revered, and never forgotten.
Doreleena Sammons Hackett, DMin, SM, SOPHE’s Director of Grants Administration
Reference: History of Juneteenth © JUNETEENTH.com
