The Long Winded History of Juneteenth

Saturday, June 19, 2021, marks the federal holiday Juneteenth. Short for “June Nineteenth”, the day commemorates the freement of all enslaved people when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 and took control of the state. The special celebration highlights the values of our country, and along with it, follows a rich history.

Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) is often thought to be the official end to slavery. However, slavery still existed because Lincoln’s decree targeted preservation of the Union as opposed to the abolishment of slavery. In Texas, on June 19, 1865, while around 250,000 people were still enslaved, Union troops arrived in Galveston to announce that the Civil War ended and that the enslaved people were to be freed. While, the ratification of the 13th Amendment officially ends slavery in December of 1865, June 19 pronounced the freedom of the enslaved and resulted in mass celebrations.

The observance of June 19th has spread across the United States and is memorialized in iconic ways. Impactfully, On June 17, 2021 the Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Celebrations are widespread and vary in acknowledgement. In 1872, a group of former slaves compiled $800 and purchased 10 acres of land for annual Juneteenth commemorations. The space is named Emancipation Park and continues to honour the abolishment of such a horrid practice. Juneteenth is also recognized in mainstream media platforms, and a growing number of companies have honoured it as an annual holiday, even before it was nationally hailed as a federal holiday. In many celebrations, red drinks and foods are a must as they symbolize resilience. Similarly it emphasizes equality and rights for all; an overarching value for America. Its ever growing popularity signifies maturity amongst the nation, and acts as a catalyst for unity for people of all races, nationalities and religions. Juneteenth has a history that shows us the good and the bad in the crafting of the United States. It symbolizes growth, as the resistance to equality is weakened and liberation prevails. While America has its flaws, Juneteenth is a federal holiday that ignites hope and inspires advancement in the right direction.