Juneteenth: Unveiling the History and Journey to Becoming a Federal Holiday

46

Juneteenth, a significant day in American history, is being celebrated across the nation, commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved individuals in the United States in 1865.

For generations, Black Americans have joyfully recognized the end of a dark era in U.S. history through vibrant parades, street festivals, musical performances, and cookouts.

However, it was not until 2021 that Juneteenth, also known as June 19th, was officially established as a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the bill passed by Congress.

As the awareness of Juneteenth spreads, the holiday’s traditions face new challenges, such as political rhetoric opposing the teaching of the nation’s racial history, companies co-opting the holiday for marketing purposes, and people celebrating without fully understanding its significance.

Let’s delve into the origins of Juneteenth, its journey to becoming a federal holiday, and learn more about its historical significance.

The Genesis of Juneteenth:

The celebrations originated in Galveston, Texas, among the enslaved population. While President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had declared the slaves free in 1863, enforcement in many Southern regions was delayed until the end of the Civil War in 1865. Even then, some white individuals who had profited from slave labor were hesitant to share the news.

Laura Smalley, who was freed from a plantation near Bellville, Texas, recounted in a 1941 interview that her “old master” returned from the Civil War without informing the enslaved individuals of their freedom. It took six months, until June 19th, for them to be released. This is why June 19th became a day of celebration.

The news of the war’s end and the slaves’ freedom finally reached Galveston when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops arrived on June 19th, 1865, more than two months after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered in Virginia. Granger issued General Order No. 3, declaring that all slaves in Texas were free and emphasizing the equality of personal rights and property between former masters and slaves.

Six months later, the 13th Amendment permanently abolished slavery upon Georgia’s ratification. In the following year, the people of Galveston initiated the celebration of Juneteenth, which has since spread across the world. The festivities include concerts, parades, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Meaning and Evolution of Juneteenth:

The term “Juneteenth” is a fusion of June and nineteenth, signifying the date of the holiday. It has also been referred to as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, second Independence Day, and Emancipation Day.

Originally rooted in church picnics and speeches, Juneteenth gained popularity as Black Texans migrated to other parts of the country. Today, most U.S. states observe Juneteenth as either a holiday or a day of recognition, akin to Flag Day. In states like Texas, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Nevada, Juneteenth is a paid holiday for state employees, and numerous companies grant their employees the day off.

Opal Lee, a former teacher and activist, played a significant role in rallying support for making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Having vivid memories of celebrating Juneteenth in East Texas during her childhood, Lee embarked on a symbolic walk from her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., in 2016. Her campaign garnered the support of celebrities and politicians, culminating in President Biden signing Juneteenth into law, with Lee by his side.

The Evolution of Juneteenth Celebrations:

The national reckoning on race triggered by the murder of George Floyd in 2020 set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts, garnered support from 60 co-sponsors, demonstrating bipartisan unity amid lingering divisions. Now, there is a movement to utilize the holiday as an avenue for activism and education. Community service projects focusing on addressing racial disparities and educational panels addressing topics like healthcare inequities and the importance of parks and green spaces have become integral parts of Juneteenth.

However, like many holidays, Juneteenth has also faced commercialization. Retailers, museums, and other venues have capitalized on the holiday by selling Juneteenth-themed merchandise, party supplies, and ice cream. Some of these marketing attempts have received backlash on social media.

Supporters of the holiday continue to emphasize its historical significance, ensuring that Juneteenth celebrants understand the reason behind its existence. Dee Evans, the National Director of Communications for the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, aptly stated in 2019: “In 1776, the country was freed from the British, but the people were not all free. June 19th, 1865, was actually when the people and the entire country were actually free.”

Juneteenth also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom in the United States, especially in these politically and racially charged times. Para LaNell Agboga, the museum site coordinator at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in Austin, Texas, emphasizes that our freedoms are fragile, and it takes little for progress to regress.

Juneteenth stands as a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Juneteenth history

More about Juneteenth history

• The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
• Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience
• How Juneteenth Became a National Holiday
• Opal Lee: The Grandmother of Juneteenth
• The Significance of Juneteenth in American History