For starters, quick question: how are you feeling about celebrating Juneteenth? Especially with it finally becoming a federal holiday this year. As a black woman and Canadian, I want to know more before I celebrate for the first time, especially as an adult.
But I know one thing for sure: it’s treated with the revel in Black Joy and Pride in our current time. And to not forget, we’re not all free until we’re all free.
So, the great question is, what does Juneteenth Mean?
Juneteenth has been recognized from the day that enslaved Africans, particularly in Galveston, Texas, had received news that they had been free over the course of two years. The Emancipation Proclamation was even signed on Jan 1st, 1869. News of freedom reached Texas on June 19. 1865.
Unfortunately, it was on Purpose, which is unfortunate.
Overall, Juneteenth isn’t just a day but the ending of historical mistreatment and injustice in the United States. But, with the misfortunes of the continuous state of ignoring brutality for centuries and the rebellious fight that enslaved Africans battled for liberty through their blood, perspiration, tears, and mental state. Making Juneteenth a federal holiday is generally the easy part. The difficult part doesn’t exactly have anything to do with it—continuous liberations of Black people living the historical injustice of all kinds, especially systemic racism.
As for legacy, our engagement and constant conversation for fair judgment and rules and regulations to be changed for our people will not be complete. Still, we will celebrate starting with financing on Black owned businesses, supporting black influences and creators. The other option can be to sign options that extend to combat for the liberations of Black People.
By simply passing all anti-lynching legislation, ending the current policing system and other alternatives and adjustments that need to be adjusted, and, more importantly, change for the better and history.
Again, Juneteenth isn’t just a simple day and another lucky day off. It’s a day of honor, culture, history, and even change, and most importantly, the continuous fight for freedom and change.
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