I love history but honestly this was NEVER taught in elementary school, jr.high or high school. And I took as many history classes as I could, because I just love it.
So What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19th, is a milestone in American history. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. While the Proclamation declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate states, its enforcement depended heavily on the Union Army’s presence. Texas, being remote and less Union-controlled at the time, was last to hear the news of emancipation.
A Historical Perspective
Juneteenth stands as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. After the Civil War, enslaved African Americans faced continued discrimination, segregation, and systemic oppression. Juneteenth became a symbolic day for freedom, resilience, and hope in the Black community—a day to honor the courage of ancestors who fought tirelessly for freedom and equality.
Over the decades, Juneteenth has grown from a local Texas observance into a national day recognized for commemorating African American history and culture. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially signed it into federal law as a national holiday, honoring its significance and the ongoing fight for justice.
How Can We Honor Juneteenth?
Supporting and celebrating Juneteenth can take many meaningful forms:
- Learn and Reflect: Educate yourself and others about the history of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggles faced by Black Americans. Engage with books, documentaries, and cultural events that highlight Black history and achievements.
- Support Black-Owned Businesses:. Shop at Black-owned businesses, dine at Black-owned restaurants, and support entrepreneurs in your community.
- Participate in Community Events: Attend local celebrations, parades, or educational workshops that honor Black culture and history. Many communities host festivals, concerts, and speaker series on Juneteenth.
- Support Black Artists and Creators: Support through art, music, literature, and performances. Share their work, attend performances, or purchase artwork and products that celebrate Black culture.
- Wear the Colors: The Juneteenth flag is typically red, white, and blue—colors that symbolize resilience, purity, and justice. Wearing these colors can be a powerful visual reminder of unity and the ongoing fight for freedom.
The Significance of the Colors
The Juneteenth flag features red, white, and blue—colors also present on the American flag. These colors symbolize resilience (red), purity and hope (white), and justice or perseverance (blue). The flag’s design serves as a reminder that freedom and justice are fundamental rights for all Americans and that the journey toward equality continues.
Juneteenth isn’t just a historical date it’s a celebration of perseverance, a reflection on the past, and hope for the future. Supporting Black-owned businesses, honoring Black culture, and educating ourselves and others uphold the spirit of freedom that Juneteenth embodies. Let’s use this day not only to remember history but also to commit to building a more just and equitable society for all.
Joint Purpose 
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