Here's A Simple Juneteenth Explainer For Those Who May Have Some Questions

Juneteenth is a monumental moment in Black history, not an ice cream flavor!

I know that 4th of July is around the corner, but to me the Independence Day I recognize is Juneteenth!

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The recognization and celebration of Juneteenth means the world to me because of the journey it took to get here. No holiday in America is a better example of the trials and tribulations that African Americans are put through in this country. 

But on this day we rejoice. On this day we can reflect that one day the gap in true equality in this country will be closing.

What is Juneteenth?

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On April 1865, Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia, ending the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, a general went to Galveston, Texas, to tell 250,000 enslaved African Americans they were free. 

The Gag!

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On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that stated all enslaved people in the rebelling states of the Confederacy should be free. Texas was one of the states it applied to. 

That means that for two and a half years, the order went unenforced in the state of Texas with enslaved people not knowing they were free. For some "odd" reason, this news never reached the African Americans in Texas (aka, masters weren't too eager to spread the news). 

When was slavery formally abolished in the US?

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It wasn't until the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6, 1865, which states, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,* shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

*note that slavery is still legal in the US today, "as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted."

What did the formerly enslaved people do now that they were free?

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Some formerly enslaved people stayed with their owners as "employees" since that's what they were accustomed to.

Some formerly enslaved people left immediately to try to fix or find their families that were torn apart due to the slave trade.

Others sued their previous proprietors for compensation.

Many formerly enslaved people moved north to start new lives.

Still yet, others decided to become politicians.

All formerly enslaved people were empowered to make changes in their lives and for the country how they saw it.

Where does the name of the holiday come from?

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The holiday started as June the 19th but eventually got mashed into one word known as "Juneteenth."

When did it become recognized as a holiday?

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Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1980. 

In 2021, Congress passed legislation to make it a federal holiday. 

How do you celebrate Juneteenth?

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Parades, barbecue picnics, rodeos, worship services, and outdoor activities are all suitable ways.

But I ask one thing: Teach your kids, elders, and friends about Juneteenth before you celebrate the holiday. Share this link or search it on YouTube. The holiday is a celebration of the resiliency of the Black community, not just another day you have off from your 9–5.

What ways are you celebrating Juneteenth?

Make sure you head here for more of our Juneteenth coverage!

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