Washington, Jun 16 (AP) It has been 160 years since the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, discovered their freedom — a revelation that came well after the Civil War had ended and more than two years following President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
The emergence of the Juneteenth holiday, named by fusing “June” and “nineteenth,” has been a growing force for one and a half centuries.
In 2021, President Joe Biden elevated its status by making it a federal holiday, broadening its acknowledgment beyond Black America.
This year marks the first Juneteenth under President Donald Trump's second administration, which has prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government.
This included the removal of Black American history content from federal websites, while Trump officials have discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations.
Despite this, many workers anticipate having Juneteenth off. A myriad of street festivals, fairs, concerts, and other events are lined up for the holiday week.
However, given the current political climate, some may question whether their employer will honor it.
“I don't think anyone should be intimidated or feel obligated not to celebrate the day,” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. “I've not heard of anyone being denied. I think it would be absolutely reprehensible.”
For those new to Juneteenth or those brushing up on its history, here are some insights:
Is Juneteenth more of a solemn day of remembrance or a party?
This largely depends on personal preference. Juneteenth celebrations grew from cookouts and picnics. Originally marked as Black Americans' true Independence Day, outdoor venues allowed for grand, lively reunions among formerly enslaved family members, many of whom had been separated.
These gatherings were particularly revolutionary, as they were free from the oppressive “Black Codes” enforced in Confederate states. Such codes controlled various aspects of life for liberated slaves, including voting rights, property ownership, and the right to assemble for worship.
Last year, the White House got things started early with a concert on the South Lawn for Juneteenth and Black Music Month, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, dancing with gospel singer Kirk Franklin.
Plans for this year's Juneteenth event or proclamation have not yet been finalized, according to the White House press office.
Others might opt for a quieter observance, treating Juneteenth as a day of rest and remembrance, potentially involving community service, attending educational panels, or simply taking the day off.
“The most important thing is for everyone to be able to quickly answer the question 'What is Juneteenth?'” Morial advised.
What if you’ve never celebrated Juneteenth?
Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, a consulting firm aiding leaders in bridging racial and cultural divides, never observed Juneteenth during his youth, only learning of it in his 30s.
“I believe many folks, even African Americans like myself, haven't known about it. Even if you had heard about it, you didn't celebrate it. It was merely a historical footnote, not a celebration,” Anderson explained.
The likelihood of having large Juneteenth celebrations often decreased for African Americans who grew up further from Texas. In the South, the day's significance often depended on when the announcement of Emancipation reached each state.
What kind of public Juneteenth events are taking place?
A quick online search reveals a wide range of gatherings nationwide, varying in both scope and tone. Some events have a carnival-like atmosphere with food trucks, arts and crafts, and parades intermixed with resources on healthcare, finance, and community services. Many feature concerts and fashion shows highlighting Black creativity and include panels to educate attendees on Juneteenth's history.
The National Park Service is again offering free entry to all sites on the holiday, upholding a tradition mentioned on its website.
Are there special Juneteenth decorations or foods?
The red, black, and green African Liberation Flag, also known as the Pan-African flag, is traditionally displayed at both Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations. The flag’s red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors, black signifies Black people, and green represents the richness of African land.
From 1997, many have embraced the Juneteenth flag designed by activist Ben Haith, reflecting the American red, white, and blue, symbolizing that the freed people are Americans too. The central five-point white star honors Texas, where Juneteenth originated, surrounded by a white starry arc symbolizing the spread of freedom.
Barbecue, with its red hues, has remained a staple of Juneteenth food, representing bloodshed and sacrifice. Traditional menus might include barbecued ribs or other red meats, watermelon, and red velvet cake, along with red drinks like fruit punch and red Kool-Aid.
Recently, the commercialization of Juneteenth has led to national chains offering party supplies, T-shirts, and other merchandise, although such items seem to be fewer this year or mainly available online. Morial expressed disappointment if companies deemed selling Juneteenth items too politically risky, while also seeing it as a chance for consumers to seek goods from African American vendors online.
Does how you celebrate Juneteenth matter if you aren’t Black?
Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University who studies race, encourages non-Black individuals interested in celebrating Juneteenth to embrace it.
“It’s part of your history and experience,” Brown said. “This is all of our history—embracing the full narrative of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters within the constitutional framework.”
What are other names used to refer to Juneteenth?
Over time, Juneteenth has been alternatively known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July, and second Independence Day.
“The Fourth of July marks independence and liberty," Brown stated, "but it didn't include my descendants. Black Americans were still enslaved then, so that holiday comes with a bittersweet edge.”
Is there a proper Juneteenth greeting?
Common greetings on the day include “Happy Juneteenth” or “Happy Teenth,” according to Alan Freeman, a comedian hosting a June 19 comedy show at Club 68—the last Black bar and club on Galveston Island. The following day, he will feature a stand-up comedy and jazz show at his Houston venue, the Frisky Whisky.
“Just as people say 'Merry Christmas' to strangers, Juneteenth can be greeted the same way,” Freeman explained. (AP) SCY SCY
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