The Emancipation Proclamation is often seen as the document that freed all the enslaved people in the United States. It’s been two years since Juneteenth became a federal holiday, one we can celebrate together as a nation. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which was signed into law in 2021, was a manifestation of genuine advancement in the understanding of the Black struggle as a whole and upheld the principles of liberty and dignity that are vital to the country.

As we take a step towards diversity, inclusion and equality, let us dive into the rich history of Juneteenth.

The History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a portmanteau that combines the months of June and nineteenth. Its beginnings date back to June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation told the final group of enslaved individuals in the southern United States that they would soon be free. The announcement of the emancipation of approximately 250,000 slaves in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, was a turning point in American history. Black Independence Day was born out of this occasion and is celebrated by African Americans all around the country. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation stating that all those who were enslaved were free and would remain so for the next two years.

In theory, the Emancipation Proclamation applied to slaves in Confederate states and went into force as the country began its second year of the Civil War. Nevertheless, it was not possible to implement it within Confederate areas until the Union Army’s ultimate triumph in the spring of 1865. It wasn’t until that summer that the Emancipation Proclamation’s clauses and news of emancipation reached Texas, the most western state under Confederate rule.

Slavery was finally outlawed in the United States by the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, while the Emancipation Proclamation laid the groundwork for its abolition. In January 1865, the amendment started its journey through Congress and over President Lincoln’s desk. It was adopted in December of the same year, thereby putting an end to slavery across the country.

The holiday’s historical heritage, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.” After the Emancipation Proclamation made its way to Texas, the emancipated people gave the day the name “Juneteenth” in honor of the day they were set free.

Celebrating Juneteenth

The celebration of Juneteenth is nothing new in this country. People come together to share their experience and history. For a long time, Juneteenth celebrations have been associated with hidden places that are incredibly local, a little unexpected, and appropriate for the variations of Black life in America. They have promoted local economies of neighborhood enterprise and micro-cultures of Black crafts, encouraging the kind of intercommunal dialogue that will be most enduring in the long run. Juneteenth festivities are unique and enduring because of their local distinctiveness, whether they are held in an urban or rural setting, and their concealment from those who could misinterpret their severity.

After the Civil War, former slaves and their families started celebrating Juneteenth as a custom. These celebrations, which started in Texas, soon extended to other states with significant Black populations. Religious ceremonies, storytelling, music, games, and barbecues were all part of the festivities. A year after the events at Galveston, Black individuals who had previously been slaves and their families began organizing and celebrating their independence. This tradition originated in Texas and quickly spread to other Southern states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, and California.

Beyond Celebration: Inclusion and Equality

Today Juneteenth is about more than just learning about history. It is also unmistakably a significant day in the Black American society. In the 1960s, Juneteenth saw a comeback in the Civil Rights Movement, and in 2020, the Black Lives Matter Movement brought the holiday widespread notice. The widespread support for Juneteenth commemoration highlights the nation’s dedication to equality and human freedom.

For me, the significance of Juneteenth extends beyond historical commemoration. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. Celebrating Juneteenth helps me gain a deeper understanding of the African American experience, acknowledge the systemic injustices faced by Black communities, and appreciate the resilience and contributions of African Americans to the nation’s cultural and social fabric.

Advocating for equality on Juneteenth and beyond involves recognizing the persistent racial disparities in various aspects of society, including education, healthcare, employment, and criminal justice. It calls for my active engagement in promoting policies and practices that address these inequalities. Supporting educational initiatives, participating in community events, and amplifying Black voices are vital steps that need to be taken toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Juneteenth also encourages one to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains. It inspires to take collective action to dismantle racism and promote social justice, underscoring the importance of unity, solidarity, and continuous advocacy for equal rights for all. By honoring Juneteenth, the commitment to creating a future where equality and justice are not just ideals but lived realities for everyone, is aptly reaffirmed.

The Future Ahead

Juneteenth must continue to be a day for introspection, learning, and community building. Now is the perfect time to teach the kids about the value of justice and freedom. It’s a chance to have important discussions about history, race, and the current struggle for civil rights. By doing this, we make sure that the sacrifices made by those who came before us were not in vain and we respect their legacy.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Being free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. The core of Juneteenth and its significance are captured in this quote. As we commemorate Juneteenth this year, let us keep in mind that the struggle for justice and equality is still ongoing and that our freedom is entwined with that of others.

Juneteenth, the first holiday in American history to address both racial slavery and Black freedom, serves as a yearly reminder of the immense potential and power of a multiracial democracy, which is still, in many ways, as volatile today as it was during reconstruction.

As the country gets ready to commemorate 250 years of freedom, it’s important to keep in mind that Juneteenth, as much significant as July Fourth, the real birthday of American democracy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Dipak Nandi, MD, Board Certified Physician, Neuropsychiatrist, a graduate of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.