7 Ways To Honor Juneteenth This Year
Juneteenth has always been an important day in the Black community. In recent years, however, it has gained increasing visibility across the country as more people recognize the significance of Juneteenth. This day is a momentous acknowledgment of liberty and a day that commemorates independence for African Americans living in Texas (over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation declared an end to slavery), hence the names “Freedom Day."
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation declaring June 19 a federal holiday, solidifying its place in American history. As Juneteenth approaches this year, there are many ways to celebrate this pivotal day in history.
The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is the official day that the Emancipation Proclamation finally made its way to Galveston, Texas. The Emancipation Proclamation, written in 1863 and signed by Abraham Lincoln, was the official document that abolished slavery. This document, however, did not apply to the state of Texas until 1865. Since the Emancipation did not apply to all Confederate States, Texas was the last to grant independence, according to various accounts and rumors.
General Gordon, the U.S. Union Army commander in Texas, issued General Order #3, sharing the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston with his Union Army, informing that all slaves were now freed. This also included the thousands of Black members of the military who had enlisted themselves, using the military as an opportunity to escape life as a slave. On this day, they were now officially freed.
The remaining amount in the entire nation, close to 250,000 slaves in Texas were freed with this announcement. Freedom had finally arrived for all slaves on June 19th, 1865.
While there were mixed emotions due to the ongoing divide, celebrations still took place all over the state. Later, this date was officially named “Juneteenth,” a combination of the month and date. The first official Juneteenth celebration in Galveston, Texas, followed exactly one year after.
Why is Juneteenth Important?
Juneteenth is important because it is known as the official end of slavery in the United States. It is a special day, not just for the Black community, but for all to unite and honor this monumental event of independence in American history.
Even though Juneteenth is finally getting the recognition that it deserves, it is arguably overlooked. Very few large companies offer the day off for employees, a practice common for many other American holidays. While only recently designated a federal holiday, Juneteenth is a day that should be continuously honored, recognized, and shared for generations to come. Many people argue that June 19, 1865, is America’s true Independence Day and not July 4, 1776. Not everyone was free; slavery still existed for over 100 years after the United States' Independence Day.
Juneteenth did not erase the ideals and sentiments regarding slavery; it had taken almost two years after the Emancipation Proclamation for the whole country to outlaw slavery. However, it recognizes that the American people wanted change. It also shows that change was still necessary and that when communities come together, it can happen. It also displays the strength, desire, unity, and persistence of the Black community.
How to Celebrate Juneteenth
2020 resulted in the largest Juneteenth celebration in its history, due to the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, the Black Lives Matter protests, and anti-racist efforts that unified millions of people all over the world. These situations and violent acts were now becoming more visible and the awareness continues to be present as Juneteenth approaches. Here are a few ways on how to support and celebrate this year.
Attend a Local Community Event
The majority of Juneteenth events are local and more information can be found by doing a quick Google search for events in your area. Some common events include: parades, demonstrations, marches, or even BBQs at local parks. Also, keep an eye out for any flyers in your local town advertising special events for Juneteenth. Attending any local parade or community event are great ways to spend time with friends, while still spreading awareness of this momentous day.
Donate to Black Organizations
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and the Black community continues to fight for equality in the United States. Choose a Black organization that you’d like to donate to in honor of the day. You can donate to a local or national organization, or even better, one that you already support. Here are a few options to start with:
Continue to Support Black-Owned Businesses
Support a Black-owned business and buy something special for Juneteenth! It can be as simple as a candle, music, clothing, jewelry, or even organic menstrual pads. There are so many options to choose from, but here are a few options to get you started:
When buying products from a Black-owned business, it helps to support not only the Black community, but small business owners as well. It is certainly a win-win!
Support & Follow Black Content Creators
With so much of our society engrossed in social media, one of the easiest ways to show your support is by following a Black content creator on Instagram or TikTok. These creators are largely marginalized on social media platforms, yet still provide their audiences with impactful and limitless advice on fitness, fashion, body neutrality, mental health, and much more. Plus, a follow is an easy and free way to show your support!
Eat At a Black-Owned Restaurant
Another way to support Black-owned businesses is by finding a local restaurant, cafe, or bakery, and buying some tasty food. Maybe there is one you already go to regularly, but enjoying delicious food on Juneteenth helps to give back to your local community and is an easy (and delicious!) way to celebrate this day.
Read & Buy Books From Black Authors
Discover your next favorite book, author, or simply learn more about Juneteenth and the Black community by buying a book written by a Black author. You can choose a classic by Toni Morrison or a more modern author, such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Let Juneteenth serve only as a reminder; learning and supporting Black art shouldn’t be done just one day out of the year!
Do More Research
Continue to do your research on Juneteenth and the overlooked parts of American history! Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1865 and should continue to be a celebration, not just locally, but all over the country. Browse the internet or even buy a book; there is more to learn and share about Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation, especially from personal stories and the experiences of the Black community. Continuing your own personal research on Juneteenth is a great way to support this day and something that can be done all year long, too.
Juneteenth is a day in history that recognizes freedom, unity, and change, and should not be forgotten. So make this year the best year for an annual celebration!