Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and a Call to Action

CARLY'S KEY TAKEAWAYS!

This year for Juneteenth, I'm committed to educating myself and my boys about the significance of this important holiday. We watched several educational videos to learn about the origins of Juneteenth and how it is celebrated. Seeing the meaning of this holiday through the eyes of my 9 and 11-year-old sons has been truly enlightening. They are growing up in a different era, with fresh perspectives that often teach me as much as I teach them. It brings me immense joy to hear their thoughtful insights and witness their empathy and growing awareness.

In addition to supporting black-owned businesses, we're incorporating traditional elements of the celebration by enjoying strawberries, symbolizing red foods, and watching "Remember the Titans." This experience has been both educational and heartwarming for our family.

I encourage everyone to take time this Juneteenth to educate yourselves and your loved ones about this significant day in history. Celebrate by supporting black-owned businesses, learning together, and reflecting on the importance of freedom and equality. Let's all strive to make a positive impact and honor the true spirit of Juneteenth.

You’ve certainly heard of Juneteenth and you may even observe it by taking the day off or visiting a local, black-owned business . But, how much do you really know about it?

If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Utah, find out when and where RIGHT HERE . From Logan to St. George and many places in between, the party is in full swing!

If you’re looking to learn more about the holiday itself, read on!

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Emancipation Day, marks the moment when the last enslaved African Americans were freed in the United States, symbolizing a pivotal point in the nation's history.

The roots of Juneteenth lie in the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 declared enslaved people in Confederate states free. However, enforcement was slow, particularly in remote areas.

True emancipation arrived furthest west on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger reached Galveston, Texas, with federal troops to enforce the proclamation. General Order No. 3, issued that day, announced the end of slavery in Texas. Juneteenth, a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," became a national symbol of freedom.

News of liberation spread gradually, but celebrations erupted almost immediately. Juneteenth signifies not only the end of slavery but also the enduring spirit of African Americans. It became a day for communities to gather, reflect, and educate.

Celebrating Heritage and Culture

Juneteenth is a time to honor African American history, culture, and achievements. Celebrations feature parades, music, food, and educational events. These festivities highlight African Americans’ rich cultural heritage and contributions to society.

Reflecting on the Journey for Equality

Juneteenth also encourages dialogue about the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality. It's a reminder of the long road towards racial justice, acknowledging both progress and remaining challenges. The 2021 designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday underscored its national significance.

Diverse Expressions of Celebration

Juneteenth celebrations vary widely across communities. Parades and festivals featuring local artists and cultural performances are common. Traditional foods like barbecue and red velvet cake symbolize resilience and the sacrifices of ancestors.

Education

Educational events are a cornerstone of Juneteenth. Workshops, lectures, and discussions explore the history of slavery, emancipation, and African American culture. Museums and historical sites offer special programs to deepen public understanding.

Family, Faith, and Community

Family gatherings are another significant aspect. Juneteenth serves as a time for reunions, where stories and traditions are passed down. These gatherings strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of shared heritage.

Prayer services and reflection periods acknowledge the spiritual strength that sustained enslaved people and their descendants. These moments honor the resilience and faith central to the African American experience.

A Call to Action

The importance of Juneteenth extends beyond historical commemoration. It's a living symbol of the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality. As communities celebrate, it serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains in the fight against racial injustice.

Honoring Juneteenth involves acknowledging the resilience and contributions of African Americans. It's a time to reflect on the past while looking towards a future of equality and justice. By celebrating Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive society, recognizing the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Juneteenth's designation as a federal holiday marked a significant step towards national recognition of the day's importance and the broader history of slavery and emancipation. It also brought renewed attention to the holiday, encouraging broader participation.

Juneteenth is a multifaceted day: a celebration, an educational opportunity, a time for reflection, and a call to action. It's a day to honor achievements, educate others about the legacy of slavery, and advocate for a more just and equitable future. By engaging in activism on Juneteenth, we can continue the work of those who fought for freedom.

By being mindful of the plight of African Americans and other historically marginalized populations YEAR ROUND we can honor their legacy and help shape a brighter future. We’re doing our part at Spectrum where our focus has always been on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if your organization could benefit from more diverse, dynamic talent (it could!).