Few Americans know exactly what Juneteenth is and I must admit, until I took an African-American history class a few summers ago, I didn’t either.
Juneteenth is to many African-Americans what 4th of July is to Americans: Freedom. And while many African-Americans celebrate 4thof July, history shows us that blacks were not completely free, until a US General and federal troops in Galveston, TX issued an order from President Abraham Lincoln and enforced the emancipation of the slaves on June 19, 1865. Hence, Juneteenth, a combination of the words, June and 19th.
I recall sitting in class and feeling astonishment. Why hadn’t I known about this significant piece of history until now? Why wasn’t it talked about? Unfortunately, it was not considered a holiday inIndiana, where I was living at the time. However, that didn’t stop community groups from organizing celebrations. My professor had offered our class an extra-credit assignment: document the many Juneteenth celebrations going on around campus. Intrigued, I only had to log onto the internet to find that there were Juneteenth celebrations going on all around me and all over the world.
I decided to attend a picnic on campus.
But this wasn’t just any picnic…I remember standing on the side, looking out at the field, hesitant to intrude. There were so many people, wearing dashikis, scarves, traditional African clothing and head wraps. I only stood for a few minutes before an older woman beckoned me to come and I was swept up into the celebration. I saw dancers barefoot, moving to the rhythms of the African drums. I heard people singing old, Negro spirituals, their voices full of emotion. I listened to elders speak poignantly about their ancestors and participate in call and response prayers. I’d never experienced anything like it and I couldn’t wait to spread the word to my family and friends about my experience. From that day on, I pledged to always commemorate the day with similar rituals, even if it wasn’t on such a grand scale.
It was a day to remember, back then and now. This year, I was unable to attend the many picnics, gatherings and celebrations going on around New Jersey but that didn’t stop me from taking a moment to reflect on the many people who came before me and endured. I made it a point to tell people, today is Juneteenth. Not surprisingly, there were a few folks who had no idea what Juneteenth is. Now that you know, what will you do to commemorate?