Juneteenth 2024

On the night of Freedom‘s Eve in 1863, free and enslaved African-Americans gathered in churches and homes across the nation, eagerly awaiting the news of the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation. At Midnight, all enslaved people in the Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers marched onto southern plantations, reading miniature copies of the proclamation to spread the news that slavery had been abolished in those states. However, not everyone immediately heard the news of their freedom. Although the Emancipation Proclamation became effective in 1863, it could not be enforced in states still under confederate control. Consequently, enslaved people in Texas remained in bondage for two more years. When union troops finally arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas; they announced by executive decree that over 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. Freedom finally was declared on June 19, 1865. The newly Freedmen declared Juneteenth to commemorate their emancipation from slavery, and a time for celebration, reflection, and civic engagement. However, with Juneteenth gaining national recognition, I worry that its commercialization is causing Americans to lose sight of its true significance and vitality. Instead of allowing this holiday to be overshadowed by commercialism let us take time to reflect. Remember. Reimagine. And rejoice as we honor the sacrifices of our ancestors; cherish the strength of our families, and forge new connections worthy of a just and free people. We must never forget why this day shines bright against the shadow of other days in our national life. Juneteeth is a genuine national holiday. So let us live it as our ancestors intended, namely, unashamedly us and unapologetically free!