06/30/2022
Happy Juneteenth to all that celebrate!Although US President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863, many African-American people were still enslaved until June 19th, 1865. That day, Major General Gordon Granger rode to Galveston, Texas with a small army to officially announce that the war was over and that The Union had won. This population was the last Black people to learn of their freedom and it took over two years to finally be informed! Juneteenth celebrates the complete abolition of slavery in America. It was first recognized as a state holiday in Texas on January 1st, 1980 and recognized as a federal holiday on June 17th of last year, 2021. This year, 2022 marks 157 years of freedom (!) for African-Americans which is why it’s often called “freedom day.”
•
A bit of personal stuff: I am not black nor am I POC. I’ve never tried to hide the fact that I am a white girl living in Texas, USA. I can never truly honor or understand how important this day is for POC. However, I can acknowledge, appreciate and respect the history, significance and traditions of today.
The best way for non-POC to celebrate Juneteenth is to learn and reflect on the country’s troubled history behind the holiday, support black-owned businesses both small and large, and donate to groups and organizations that pledge to help the black community. While the holiday is now celebrated on the federal level, Black people and other marginalized communities are still facing many systematic oppressions. Another way non-POC can celebrate all year long is by spreading awareness, calling out injustices, advocating for Black voices and denouncing white supremacy in all walks of life.
•
•
•
•
