Some of you don't know what Juneteenth is. Looking at the calendar like"What date is that? I don't see no Juneteenth....?" That's ok (not the fact that it's not on a calendar because it needs to be...but we'll make sure that happens later). You're about to learn right now.
Most of us in the US grew up thinking The Fourth of July was the day to celebrate. We put on our red, white and blue fits, put our daughter's hair is barrettes to match her little tank & shorts combo, we got our fireworks and we went in. Some of us preferred hanging out at the park, eating snacks and waiting for the fireworks show. It was the day for families to barbecue and come together for a laugh. We were celebrating. But, not really. See, some people caught on to who the holiday really was for, and other people didn't really care one way or another. They just wanted to be with their family, and eat some meat. That's cool. I mean, we should be embracing each other every day. But, the problem with embracing each other on the 4th, and buying the 4th gear, or watching the show...is that we're (maybe unconsciously) celebrating a day that wasn't meant for us. It's like voting for a president to "Make America Great Again" but realizing it wasn't really great for a select group of people in the first place...so what do you mean by "again"?
So, that's why knowing about Juneteenth is important. So, you're celebrating a day that was meant for your people to actually celebrate. A day you're not excluded from. Enough of my little chatter, let's hop into the quick facts.
In 1865, Major General Gordon Granger went over to Galveston, Texas to announce that those enslaved were now free.
But, you're wondering how that is so when Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was in 1863. I mean, we learned little rhymes to help us remember the date and everything.
See, The Emancipation Proclamation had little effect on Texas because The Executive Order could not be enforced by such a small amount of Union troops/soldiers. It was like the slaveholder's "safe haven." Therefore, it took two years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation for there to actually be something to celebrate for everyone. Texas was the last of the Confederate states to have people enslaved.
*Note: The author does not approve of people clapping for Lincoln.
What does Juneteenth look like in 2020 though? It looks like, finally some companies (Twitter, Target, Square...) have made it a company holiday. Finally, people are learning more about their history. People are celebrating with loved ones (hopefully while social distancing), and posting on social media about how they are celebrating the day that is meant for them. There was even a Pre-Juneteenth Joyride (hosted by Shawnee Dez).
Senators proposed bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and it is currently a state holdiay or observance in 47 states.
With the protesting, and trying to fight for justice for those who have been murdered or harmed by police brutality, and trying to find/use our voices to the best of our abilities...it's just so great to have this wholesome day to come together. To all the people who have helped us get to where we are today, and to those who are paving a way to a better tomorrow: Thank You and Happy Juneteenth!
Now you can go to your Calendar (on your phone because it's 2020) and write: Juneteenth on June 19th. The day that unifies us.
Slavery is still alive, so don't think this means that it isn't. The people that "run" this country have made their loopholes. Hopefully, we get to see a Juneteenth with everyone truly free.
Much love to my black folks.
If you want even more information that what was provided, go on over to: https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm
Info from:
The site above +
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