JUNETEENTH is a federal holiday celebrated annually on June 19^th in the United States – also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day within the Black community. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.

Juneteenth observes the day in 1865 when freedom finally reached the enslaved people of Texas. On that day, over 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree.

Did You Know: The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln and became official on January 1, 1863, declaring more than three million enslaved people of Confederate states to be free. However, it took two and a half years for the order to reach the state of Texas, where the announcement was read by Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger in Galveston on June 19, 1865.

Why the two-year delay in the time Lincoln issued the order and Texas receiving the news? Some say the messenger was killed on his way to deliver the news. Others thought the news was withheld to keep the enslaved labor force that the state of Texas plantations had grown accustomed to. Some wondered if the news was purposely delayed to prepare for a final harvest. But whatever the reason might have been, slavery remained in Texas until the day now recognized and celebrated as Juneteenth.

Fast forward to 2021, this day was designated a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. It brings Black communities together annually for vibrant festivities: family gatherings filled with shared meals while adorned in bright, colorful new clothing symbolizing the holiday. People join in joyful songs of freedom and dances of praise, coming together in prayer for equality, justice, peace, and brighter days ahead.

For African Americans, Juneteenth is a day of education, reflection, culture, knowledge, appreciation and hope for true Liberation.

Colors that represent Juneteenth are:

• Red: Stands for the blood shed of the million Black men and women who have lost their lives.
• Black: Represents melanin. It compels us to remember that we are all unified as one.
• Green: Stands for fertility, productivity, and prosperity, as well as the fertile cradle of Africa.
• Yellow: Conveys optimism, justice, equality, resilience, and freedom.

Typically, Juneteenth celebrates its rich history with meals that consists of red foods and drinks, such as hibiscus tea, watermelon, strawberry shortcake, red beans and rice, red velvet cake, and strawberry soda to symbolize strength and courage. These foods often adorn tables alongside cultural culinary staples like collard greens, fried chicken, potato salad, barbecue, and tea cakes.

Here are a few ways you and your family can pay homage to Juneteenth:

• Volunteer at a local Juneteenth event
• Visit a Black Museum or cultural site
• Support Black organizations and/or individuals in your community
• Read a book
• Watch shows and movies that educate you on other cultures
• Take in a Juneteenth parade
• Donate to a Black-led organization

Whatever reasons you choose to celebrate JUNETEENTH, do it with honor, remembrance, respect and love.

Sing a song of Freedom…O’ Happy Day!

-Carol, Receptionist