Juneteenth National Independence Day
Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the country. Juneteenth is not only a celebration but also an opportunity for reflection, education, and advocacy. It is a time to acknowledge progress and continue the fight for equality and justice.
Juneteenth Become a Federal Holiday
The holiday’s name is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” as it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Although this date commemorates enslaved people learning of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation, it only applied to former Confederate states. Legally enslaved people in states that never seceded from the Union did not gain their freedom until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 6, 1865. Early celebrations date back to 1866, initially involving church-centered community gatherings in Texas. These celebrations spread across the South among newly freed African American slaves and their descendants and became more commercialized in the 1920s and 1930s, often centering on food festivals. Participants in the Great Migration brought these celebrations to the rest of the country.
In 2021, Juneteenth became a Federal holiday, recognizing the end of slavery and celebrating African American culture and achievements.
How is Juneteenth celebrated Today
Juneteenth is celebrated in various ways across the United States. Here are some common ways people commemorate this important day:
- Community Events and Parades: Many cities and towns organize parades, festivals, and community gatherings. These events often feature music, dance performances, and educational programs.
- Historical Reenactments: Some communities stage historical reenactments to depict the events of June 19, 1865. These reenactments help educate people about the significance of Juneteenth.
- Family Gatherings and Cookouts: Families and friends come together for cookouts, picnics, and barbecues. Traditional foods like barbecue, red drinks (such as hibiscus tea), and soul food are often served.
- Educational Workshops and Lectures: Schools, museums, and community centers host workshops, lectures, and panel discussions to explore African American history, civil rights, and social justice.
- Art and Culture Exhibitions: Art galleries and cultural centers showcase African American art, music, literature, and poetry. These exhibitions celebrate creativity and resilience.
- Music and Dance Performances: Concerts featuring gospel, jazz, blues, and other genres pay tribute to African American musical heritage. Dance performances also highlight cultural traditions.
- Reading the Emancipation Proclamation: Some communities gather to read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud, emphasizing its importance in ending slavery.
- Rededication Ceremonies: People participate in ceremonies to honor ancestors who lived through slavery and to rededicate themselves to freedom, equality, and justice.
- Community Service: Volunteering and community service are encouraged on Juneteenth. Activities may include neighborhood cleanups, food drives, and supporting local organizations.
- Fashion and Artistic Expression: Many individuals wear traditional African clothing or clothing in red, black, and green (colors associated with African heritage). Artistic expression through poetry, storytelling, and visual arts is also common.
Juneteenth Traditional Foods
Juneteenth celebrations feature a rich culinary tradition. Here are some traditional Juneteenth foods:
- Feasts: Food has been integral to Juneteenth celebrations since the start. Early celebrants, many of whom were formerly enslaved, would gather for shared meals, often resembling church picnics. Today, families and communities continue this tradition by breaking bread at festivals, block parties, and parks.
- Red Foods: Red foods dominate Juneteenth tables. The color symbolizes resilience amid bondage. Traditional red foods include watermelon, strawberries, barbeque, and red velvet cake. These dishes pay tribute to the blood shed by Black Africans and Black Americans during slavery and the slave trade.
- ‘Good Fortune’ Foods: Juneteenth meals often include traditional African American “good luck foods.” These recipes, passed down orally, are part of the celebration. Expect delicious offerings like black-eyed peas, pulled pork, cornbread, and strawberry soda.
Juneteenth is not only about food but also about commemorating freedom, culture, and history.
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