For many people of color, Juneteenth is an important holiday that should be celebrated (although its celebration is generally multi-cultural). It's a holiday that many people may not be familiar with. After all, the law proclaiming it as a federal holiday was just passed and signed last year. It is important though, as it is the day that slavery in the United States ended.

In this blog post, we'll share with you what Juneteenth is, why it is important, and some tips for celebrating it.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated every June 19. It is a newly proclaimed holiday signed by President Joe Biden last year.

Juneteenth commemorates the freedom of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. This date is significant because it marks the day when Union Major General Gordon Granger announced the abolition of slavery in Texas.

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth has its roots in Texas, where it was called "Jubilee Day." It was first celebrated informally on June 19, 1866, a year after the Union's abolishment of slavery. However, it was not until June 17, 2021, that Juneteenth became a federal holiday.

On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with 2,000 troops to take control of the state. Granger read General Order No. 3, which announced the freedom of all slaves in Texas. This news came nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

A year after the announcement of Granger in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth was celebrated as "Jubilee Day." At first, it was used as political rallies to give voting instructions to newly freed African Americans.

However, in the late 19th century and early 20th century, a combination of political and economic forces led to the decline of the Juneteenth celebration. This was when laws and constitutions were passed to deliberately prevent African American people to vote. With the start of the Great Depression, many African Americans chose to move to cities. This shift left them without the means to celebrate, considering that they could not take time off.

Finally, the civil rights movement of the 1960s brought awareness to the Juneteenth celebration again. It also gave a new focus to the holiday.

Why Do They Call It Juneteenth?

The name "Juneteenth" comes from the fact that it is celebrated on June 19th, referencing the date with the combination of "June" and "nineteenth."

Why is Juneteenth Important?

African Americans have faced centuries of oppression and violence. Juneteenth is a day to remember this history and celebrate the progress that has been made.

1. It is a day to celebrate progress and call for further change. In recent years, there has been a lot of progress made for African Americans, although our country still grapples with racial inequality. For many, Juneteenth is a day to reflect on what it means to be an African American in America.

2. It celebrates African American freedom. This holiday is important because it reminds us of how far we have come as a country, and it calls us to continue fighting for justice. It is a day to celebrate our history, our progress, and our future.

3. It is a day to educate others about black history and culture. There are so many things to learn about African American history and culture. Juneteenth is a day to educate others about this history, and it is a way to share with others the experiences of those who have come before us.

4. It is a day to come together and celebrate our diversity. As a nation, we should be proud of our differences. We are all connected, no matter what color our skin is. We share the same story, the same frustrations, and the same hopes. Why not celebrate our differences and diversity? Let us use this day to build a more just and equitable future for all.

5. It is a day to stand up for racial justice. Even today, we see that racial inequality is still a huge issue in America. This is why Juneteenth is such an important holiday -- it reminds us of the struggles we have overcome and the work we must do to continue to make our country a better place. 

How to Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth might seem like all seriousness, but it doesn't have to be! There are many ways to celebrate this holiday. Here are a few ideas:

1. Have a Juneteenth party!

Host a party or potluck where you can celebrate Juneteenth. You can have a picnic, a BBQ, or even a potluck dinner. It's your choice!

2. Learn about the history of Juneteenth and share what you’ve learned with others

There are so many things to learn about Juneteenth. You can read books, watch documentaries, or talk to your friends and family about Juneteenth.

3. Watch a movie or read a book about Juneteenth

You can find many books about African American history. Some of my favorites include:

• The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation by Anna Malaika Tubbs
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• Black Heroes: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood

For movies, we recommend the following:

• Miss Juneteenth (2020)
• Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
• Hair Love (2019)
• The Heart of the Game (2005)
• Rember the Titans (2002)

4. Read the Emancipation Proclamation

The Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most important documents in American history. It was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the civil war. If you want to have a solid background about Juneteenth, then this is a must-read.

Conclusion

We have come a long way as a country since Juneteenth was first celebrated, but there is still much work to be done. Juneteenth is a day to reflect on our past, celebrate our progress, and call for further change.

This coming Juneteenth, take the time to remember the people who came before us, and the sacrifices they made to help us achieve our American Dream. No matter what color your skin is, we are all Americans. Let's work together to make our country a better place.