Celebrating Juneteenth

06 Jun Celebrating Juneteenth

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By: Sylvie Trevena, MBA

Juneteenth is a celebration regarding the official end to slavery, but historically there is a complicated past at the root of the celebrations and timeline of events. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must remember the history of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and the events that led from that day up until June 19, 1865, when General Order No. 3 stated, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” The slaves were freed during the rebellion against the United States in 1863, however, did not abolish slavery as a whole, as the Proclamation did not apply to the border states.

The Juneteenth celebration and holiday has continued and has become a federal holiday and is also known as; Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Cel-Liberation Day, and Second Independence Day. Over the years, celebrations declined during Jim Crow law enactment but then increased during the civil rights movement thanks to the Poor People’s March planned by Martin Luther King, Jr. President Biden, in June of 2021, signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making it a federal holiday.

Recently, our team has asked local community members what Juneteenth means to them:

Sharon Moody, Founder/Past President Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc.

https://celebration2.homestead.com

“Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly free. And Strawberry soda pop was once a popular drink associated with celebrating the day. I love this flavored drink today.”

Myles, CEO We Are the Change, Inc.

https://m.facebook.com/wearethechangeinc

“As I sit and think on Juneteenth, I find myself filled with feelings of both joy and sadness. For many years, Juneteenth was celebrated by those who were more informed about the history of enslaved people in America and what the day meant. I’m glad that we have it but find myself perplexed by the lack of true solidarity, respect, decency, and honor as it relates to the recognition of the day.”

Evan Clarke, President We Are the Change, Inc.

“Juneteenth, to me represents incremental progress in America. Juneteenth itself was only created to commemorate the enslaved Africans who were no set free until years after it was federally mandated. Juneteenth is a constant reminder that no matter how far Black people come in America, there will always be outside forces creating the need for us to go further.”

Erica Keller, LMHC, LMFT, CRC, Owner of Rellek Rose Counseling Services

“127 years before my birth, my ancestors were granted freedom. However, it is likely that they would not have known of such freedom for another two and a half years. Juneteenth signifies the moment that African Americans no longer had to accept the lies that were told to them by individuals who firmly believed in keeping people as property. From that day on they could experience the world full of knowledge, experiences, and inevitable struggles that lie ahead.”

Reference:

American Battlefield Trust, 10 Facts: Juneteenth (June 12, 2020)

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/10-facts-juneteenth

Accessed 6/6/24

Local Juneteenth events: