As Juneteenth approaches, you may have noticed flyers and social media posts for festivals, parades, etc., honoring this national holiday. So, why do we celebrate Juneteenth in the first place? In 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. For Black Americans today, June 19th is a symbol of freedom, resilience, and our continued fight for equality.
Although it celebrates the end of slavery, it still embodies and serves as a reminder of all the struggles Black Americans have faced, past and present. Despite these hardships, Juneteenth represents our ongoing journey toward racial equity and social equality. June 19th provides an opportunity for education and awareness of our culture and history. It honors our contributions to the cultural, social, and economic development of the United States.
Through music, food, art, and community gatherings, Juneteenth has become an opportunity to unify and promote understanding among people of every background. In recent years, some states have begun to recognize June 19th as a holiday, and many are still advocating for it to be officially considered a national holiday.
