Americans celebrate their freedoms on Independence Day, yet, the signatures on the Declaration of Independence in 1776 did not free enslaved Black people. This stark fact serves to stress the indisputable importance of Juneteenth: commemorating the legislative freedom of the Black community.
Galveston, Texas
Keeping the 1776 date in mind, freedom for all would have to wait for another 87 years, when, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln put ink to the Emancipation Proclamation, marking the end of slavery in the US. Even this was not a whole victory. Thousands of people remained living in slavery, adding another two years past the legislation for the individuals of Galveston, Texas, to be informed by Union soldiers that yes, they should have been free.
That’s what makes June 19, 1865, such a significant date in history – freeing the last enslaved people of Galveston.
A group of African Americans picking cotton near Savannah, Georgia shortly after emancipation. Photo by Launey & Goebel, c.1867-1890.
Juneteenth Independence Day
Juneteenth signifies a shift in the narrative: one where social activism and awareness matter. The messaging of Juneteenth came to the fore on June 17th, 2021, when it was made a federal holiday under President Joe Biden’s office. Statistics show that celebration rates have risen since, posing the question of how it should be commemorated. This raises the point that Juneteenth is not just a recent holiday.
June 19, 2020 -- Thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets during events commemorating Juneteenth, demanding an end to systemic racism and police brutality, This was the 23rd straight day of protests in the New York City since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month, which sparked worldwide protests.
Commemorating Juneteenth
Going back through history, the date has been observed through family, prayer, and eventual pilgrimage to Galveston by former enslaved people and their families. Since reaching the national milestone in 2021, style of celebration is still in flux with a mix of backyard gatherings, festivals and parades for the “Juneteenth Independence Day”. While the coronavirus pandemic halted the day’s platform, cities are now able to stage more large-scale events involving businesses and residents.
Emancipation Day celebration - Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration, June 19, 1900, Texas.
Join the Juneteenth Conversation
The demand for change is felt strongly in a country where billed freedom was 156 years in the making.
Juneteenth is now being acknowledged by many U.S. organizations, promoting the causes of recognition and solidarity. This is good news, but it also makes many wonder why it took so long. It’s important to have these conversations if we are to make the places that we work more diverse, equitable and inclusive. To this end, there are ways that you can add to the dialogue:
- You might take the opportunity to consider active leader and allyship within your DEI strategy.
- Donate to or amplify non-profits focused on progression, transformation and empowerment.
- Add to the cultural value of Juneteenth through awareness and education to elevate its critical historical significance.
- For brands and creatives, utilise diverse images across social media and spotlight Black voices. The colours for your graphics might deploy red, green, and black (the Pan-African flag).
- Employ empathy and don’t talk down or lessen what Juneteenth means to the Black American community.
- Avoid tokenism at all costs.
Scranton, PA, USA. 19th June, 2021. A young girl works on a chalk mural that says ''1865 Freedom 2021'' during a Juneteenth celebration. President Joe Biden signed into law legislation that would establish June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. Juneteenth is the celebration of the emancipation of African Americans. Scranton held a block party for families to celebrate the holiday.
Getting Involved
There are countless identities and injustices worth talking about globally. With the world’s journey towards racial equality ongoing, it’s important to understand the significance of history and what we can learn from it in order to promote progress. Documenting the story so far through impactful imagery and strong messaging will ensure the cross-cultural flow of Juneteenth for generations to come. Key to this legacy? Tell the stories, share coverage and embed the pictures from history to present day.
Kwesi Williams, of LA Street Poet Inc., dances during a Juneteenth celebration at Magic Johnson Park in Los Angeles, Friday, June 17, 2022.
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