A few years ago, in the middle of a conversation, some guys started talking about something called Juneteenth, a holiday that has roots in Galveston, Texas, but was for all of the last remaining slaves in the U.S. On June 19, 1865 (June 19 = Juneteenth), they found out they were free to leave their slaveholder’s clutches, a whole 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It was and is one of the most important moments in American history, and yet, even as a lifelong black man, I had no idea it existed. It’s probably because it’s not routinely taught in school curriculums (thanks American educational system!), and unlike July 4, Thanksgiving, or even George Washington’s birthday, it’s not a nationally recognized holiday.
When it became clear last year that a lot of other people had never heard of Juneteenth, I wasn’t even a little surprised. Despite its absence from the national stage, Juneteenth has long been observed by black communities. I am delighted that many people are understanding Juneteenth enough to lead the effort to make the date a national holiday. It’s a pity that it was because people lost their lives though.
Today, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act is ready and waiting in the U.S. Senate where it needs and deserves to be passed. It is time for June 19 to be observed by the entire country because black people shouldn’t be the only ones celebrating the end of slavery or acting against racism. Ideally, Juneteenth as a national holiday would give EVERYONE the day off work because it has to do with us all. We could together learn about the experience and the ways slavery impacted our culture. We could together, black and white, listen to a podcast like 1619 from the New York Times, or watch a documentary like 13th on Netflix; we could together volunteer with racial-justice organizations.
In the meantime, sign Lee’s change.org petition (change.org/p/united-states-congress-make-juneteenth-a-national-holiday-in-2021) to support making Juneteenth an official national holiday recognized by corporations, governments, and communities across the country. This is for us as a whole to acknowledge that freedom for all people is essential for the entire country to succeed. We need to understand that we can do more together than apart.
La’Mike Tillman
Formerly of Clarke County
