What Is Juneteenth And Why Is It A Federal Holiday?

🎉 Celebrate Juneteenth by learning its history, embracing its traditions, and taking action to support the ongoing struggle for racial justice. 🙌 #Juneteenth #SummerHolidays #MinnesotaNews

🌞 From Slavery to Freedom: The Juneteenth Journey

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – As Minnesotans come together to celebrate Juneteenth, the air is filled with a sense of unity, pride, and reflection. From vibrant parades to heartfelt community gatherings, the North Star State embraces this significant day with open arms.

Families, friends, and neighbors join in the festivities, honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality. Amidst the joy and celebration, it’s important to understand the deeper meaning behind Juneteenth and its place in American history.

🤔 What Is Juneteenth And Why Is It A Federal Holiday?

Juneteenth, a mashup word of June and nineteenth, marks a pivotal moment in American history when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865.

This momentous day came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The delay in Texas receiving this crucial information was due to its remote location and the minimal Union troop presence to enforce the new Executive Order.

General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 with his troops to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. His announcement, known as General Order No. 3, was met with jubilation and laid the foundation for what would become the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

🙌 Celebrations and Traditions Through the Years

In the early years following 1865, Juneteenth celebrations involved church-centered community gatherings in Texas. As African Americans migrated to other parts of the country, the observance spread and evolved. Typical Juneteenth festivities often feature music, barbecues, prayer services, and other activities celebrating freedom and African American culture.

The Juneteenth flag, created in 1997 with the phrases “June 19, 1865” and “Juneteenth,” uses the colors red, white, and blue to symbolize that the enslaved people and their descendants were Americans. The star in the center represents both Texas and the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.

🍽️ Traditional Juneteenth Fare

Juneteenth celebrations often feature a delightful spread of traditional dishes. Barbecued chicken and meat, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and watermelon are staples at many Juneteenth gatherings. Basically my hubby Jack is in heaven every time we visit friends in Minneapolis for a Juneteenth cookout. LOL.

Red soda water and tea cakes, considered the official Juneteenth dessert, are also popular treats enjoyed during the festivities. These foods not only bring people together but also hold symbolic meaning, with red foods representing the blood shed by enslaved Africans and their descendants.

🏛️ The Road to National Recognition

Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as an official holiday in 1980. Over time, many other states followed suit, with a growing push for federal recognition.

In June 2021, Congress passed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, and President Joe Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021. This marked a significant milestone in acknowledging the importance of this day in American history.

✊ Taking Action Beyond the Holiday

While celebrating Juneteenth is important, it is equally crucial to take action beyond the holiday itself. One way to honor the spirit of Juneteenth is by supporting organizations dedicated to promoting equality and empowering Black Americans.

Consider donating time or money to groups such as Black Lives Matter, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Additionally, strive to put Juneteenth principles into practice daily by embracing small ways to fight racism. This can include educating yourself and others about the history of slavery and its lasting impact, supporting Black-owned businesses, and engaging in conversations about racial injustice and how to combat it.

🌅 Looking to the Future

As Juneteenth continues to gain recognition and observance across the nation, it is important to remember its significance not only as a historical event but also as a symbol of hope and resilience. By commemorating this day, we acknowledge the past, celebrate the progress made, and commit ourselves to building a future where equality and justice prevail for all.