Photo: Getty Images
The Juneteenth federal holiday that President Biden signed into law in 2021 belongs to everyone, but historical memories of Juneteenth occasions that go back decades or more may belong primarily to African Americans who took the time to have the then-unofficial celebration. Picnics. Family outings. Special jazz concerts sponsored by Black sororities and social clubs.
In those days, Juneteenth was an intra-communal gathering, shared between us like secret knowledge, because we knew the story behind the tradition. In June 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and months following the Confederate surrender in the Civil War, Union General Gordon Granger finally reached a group of slaves in Galveston, Texas. These enslaved people did not know that the South had lost the Civil War. General Granger informed them they were free. The enlightened former slaves threw a joyous celebration, which became alternately known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day or (today) Juneteenth.
It was originally celebrated every June 19 in Texas. Its popularity spread throughout Black communities in the 1930s when it represented the aspirations of Black Americans who knew they were liberated from slavery, yet lacked full equality. The Fourth of July represented independence, in the sense of breaking from England, while Juneteenth symbolized freedom in both a legalistic and spiritual sense — freedom from slavery before the next step toward full humanity.
In 2023, I was the main speaker at the annual Juneteenth event sponsored by the City of Santa Fe, NM, at which Mayor Alan Webber officially proclaimed Juneteenth Day locally. I reiterated the classic script, describing Juneteenth’s origin, but I also used to the occasion to discuss how New Mexico still had a way to go achieving freedom from hunger, child poverty and the malaise of substance abuse. This is the narrative that Juneteenth bequeaths to the country, since becoming a national event: Celebrate social and economic justice, and believe someday it is coming!
There is no doubt in my mind that this country needs a federal holiday like this one, encouraging the populace to address perceived forms of oppression, with belief that they can survive the travails and, in the end, achieve redemption and renewal. Freedom is both specific, to a particular set of circumstances, and universal, which is why Juneteenth eventually spoke to the hearts and minds of all Americans.
This year, however, the holiday arrives at a time when President Trump is waging an unprecedented war on civil rights, first amendment rights, free speech rights, academic freedom, or the freedom to protest. The administration uses executive orders to force government grantees to desist engaging in speech the administration dislikes, including anything that honors diversity, equity or inclusion; seriously addresses climate change; or highlights the LGBTQ community.
It arrives at a time when Trump’s ICE agents engage in massive raids that terrorize Latino communities, indiscriminately ordering civilians inside unmarked vans and “disappearing” immigrants who have positively contributed to American society. Following protests that erupted against ICE raids in Los Angeles, California Gov. Gavin Newsom accurately critiqued Trump’s immigration policy, asserting that Trump’s methods do more harm than good because, “Instead of focusing on undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records and people with final deportation orders — a strategy both parties have long supported — this administration is pushing mass deportations. Indiscriminately targeting hardworking immigrant families, regardless of their roots or risk. What’s happening right now is very different than anything we’ve seen before.”
With increasing authoritarianism, without consulting California government officials, Trump deployed National Guardsmen and marines to Los Angeles using tear gas and rubber bullets. This move against the populace (which Gov. Newsom called “a reckless deployment of American troops to a major American city”) is among the many ways that the administration discourages citizens from engaging in legal protest or enjoying free speech.
This year, we will celebrate freedom from chattel slavery. We will celebrate a victory for humanity. But the celebration is shadowed by an awareness that bondage can take other forms. It is fear of being arrested, economically disenfranchised or “disappeared.” Fear that the country is inching towards totalitarianism is against the spirit of Juneteenth.
figure, .tipContainer, .socContainer, .subscribeShortcodeContainer, .donateContainer {display:none !important;} .youtubeContainer { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom:12px; } .youtubeContainer iframe, .video-container object, .video-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100% !important; height: 100%; margin: 12px 0px !important; } .newsroomSidebar {width:35%;max-width:35%;padding:10px;border-top:solid 2px black;background-color:#d3d3d3;float:right;margin-left:50px;} .snrsInfoboxSubContainer {padding:10px;border-top:solid 2px black;background-color:#d3d3d3;} .halfwidth {float:right;width:50%;max-width:50%;} .indent2Container {margin-left: 1em;margin-bottom:1em; border-left: solid 1px black;padding-left: 2em;} @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {.newsroomSidebar {max-width:95%;width:95%;margin-left:4%} .halfwidth {float:none;width:100%;max-width:100%;} }
This essay was first published by Source New Mexico, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The day that celebrates freedom in frightening times )
Also on site :
- Iconic Sitcom Actress, 67, Stuns With Ageless Appearance 20 Years After Show Ended
- Beloved ‘90s Icon Meets Iconic ‘Pitch Perfect’ Stars in an Unforgettable Red Carpet Moment
- Nazi symbols prevalent in Ukrainian military – Le Monde