Black History is American History.
Like many American kids, I grew up wearing red, white, and blue Old Navy shirts on the 4th of July, celebrating Independence Day at cookouts and watching fireworks. I knew the 4th of July was a day to celebrate freedom, but it wasn't until much later that I heard the phrase Juneteenth for the first time—and realized there was a more personal Freedom Day that I’d been neglecting to uplift for far too many years. You don’t know what you don’t know.
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, recognizing June 19th as a federal holiday. Hopefully, this means more Americans, from childhood on, will gain a fuller understanding of our nation's journey to independence—not just the July 4th narrative. But that will only come if we actively use this day to honor the meaning behind Juneteenth, going beyond just having a day off from work.
Welcome to the celebration of Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history! Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure that all enslaved people were freed—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and is a profound reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth commemorates the moment when the last enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom. It's a day to celebrate African American culture, reflect on the history of slavery, and commit to ongoing efforts toward racial equality.
How to Celebrate
Education
Why it's important: Understanding the significance of Juneteenth and its historical context is crucial. Knowledge is the first step toward empathy and action.
Activities:
Read about Black history and the impacts of slavery.
Watch films that highlight African American experiences and history.
Visit an African-American history museum.
Black Economic Empowerment
Why it's important: Slavery was rooted in the economic exploitation of Black labor, and its legacy continues to affect economic disparities today. Supporting Black-owned businesses helps counteract this historical inequity.
Activities:
Shop at Black-owned businesses.
Purchase from Black-owned brands.
Highlight and promote Black entrepreneurs and creators.
Audit Your Network
Why it's important: Diverse networks foster inclusion and innovation. Reflecting on who you interact with and support can reveal unconscious biases and areas for growth.
Activities:
Examine your professional and personal networks.
Follow, support, and invest in Black-led organizations, creators, consultants, and artists.
Attend an Event
Why it's important: Participating in Juneteenth events builds community and strengthens cultural bonds. It's also an opportunity to support local Black-led initiatives.
Activities:
Join local Juneteenth celebrations.
Attend virtual or in-person events to connect with others and learn more about the holiday.
Make a Commitment
Why it's important: Lasting change requires consistent effort. Commit to actions that dismantle systemic racism and promote equality within your spheres of influence.
Activities:
Pledge to take specific actions to combat white supremacy culture.
Share your commitments publicly to increase accountability.
Continuously educate yourself and others about racial justice issues.
Suggested Reading and Watching
Books:
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Rooted by Brea Baker
Films:
13th available on Netflix
True Justice available on HBO [Max]
Moving Beyond Knowledge
It’s not just about what we know—it's about what we do. Commit to learning more and examining how you might unintentionally uphold cultural norms that marginalize Black people. Then, take purposeful actions to do better. While Juneteenth doesn’t eliminate structural racism in America, recognizing it as a federal holiday is a step toward bringing the history of Black Americans into the center of our national narrative.
About two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery in the confederacy [on paper]...
The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”
General Order No. 3, issued by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger
About The Author I'm LaVonne, your partner in building safe and inclusive workplaces. As an organizational development expert with DEI and workplace violence prevention experience, I collaborate with businesses to enhance cultures of inclusion, safety, and trust. I also provide professional development coaching for women. Learn more at www.ellevate-inclusion.com or book a consultation.
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