Juneteenth: Celebrating freedom from slavery

WEB DESK: Juneteenth is celebrated annually in the United States (US) on June 19, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865.

The emancipation of the slaves within the US followed more than two years after the then-president Abraham Lincoln issued the “Emancipation Proclamation” on January 1, 1863.

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The day is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. The history of Juneteenth dates back to the final years of the American Civil War. The civil war raged from 1861 till 1865 when a conflict erupted between northern (Union) and southern (Confederate) US states over slavery. The war ended with the Union’s victory and the abolition of slavery in entire United States.

The northern General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas on June 19, 1865, where he issued the “General Order Number 3”. It announced and enforced the emancipation of slaves in the state of Texas.

The proclamation freed the remaining enslaved African Americans in Texas, who were unaware of their legal freedom due to the limited reach of the Emancipation Proclamation in slavery-supporting Confederate territories.

Juneteenth holds a significant historical and cultural importance as it symbolises the end of slavery in the United States. Most US citizens get to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout the country’s history, including cruel treatment at hands of white plantation owners.

It also gives the African American community a platform and chance to celebrate their culture, while engaging in dialogues surrounding the still-ongoing fight for civil rights and equality for the community.

US citizens typically celebrate the day by organising a wide range of activities that honour the African American community’s culture and history. Across the United States parades, picnics, and events honouring African American culture are organised.

Educational events are also common during Juneteenth celebrations. These include historical reenactments, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, or discussions about African American history and the abolitionist movement.

Food traditions play a central role in Juneteenth celebrations. Traditional African American dishes such as barbecue, “soul food” (fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread), red foods (symbolising resilience and ingenuity), and desserts like red velvet cake or strawberry soda are enjoyed during the festivities.

In recent years, Juneteenth has also become a platform for discussions on social justice issues, voter registration drives, and community activism initiatives aimed at addressing systemic inequalities in the US and promoting unity.

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The day was officially recognised as a federal holiday in 2021 following the passage of the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act”.