What is Juneteenth?

This recommendation is shared by Ellen Long.

In the article "What Is Juneteenth?" from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), the history and significance of Juneteenth are explored in depth. The article provides an insightful look into the origins of Juneteenth, its cultural importance in African American communities, and the broader significance of freedom in the context of American history. This piece serves as an essential resource for understanding why Juneteenth is celebrated and its continued relevance today.

Summary of the Article

The NMAAHC article on Juneteenth offers a comprehensive overview of this pivotal day in U.S. history. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the Confederate state of Texas were freed—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The article explains that while the Emancipation Proclamation, signed in 1863, had declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate states, enforcement was slow and uneven, especially in remote areas like Texas.

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and read aloud General Order No. 3, which declared that "all slaves are free." This moment is recognized as the true end of slavery in the United States. The article highlights the importance of this date for African Americans, as it represents the formal end of slavery and the beginning of a long journey toward equality and justice.

The article also explores how Juneteenth evolved from a regional observance to a nationwide celebration of African American freedom and culture. It touches on how the day became an important moment of reflection, community gathering, and education, and how it has grown into a time for celebrating Black history, culture, and achievements. It further explains that Juneteenth is not only a commemoration of the past but also a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

Why This Matters

Juneteenth is one of the most important holidays in African American culture, but its significance extends far beyond the African American community. The article helps contextualize Juneteenth within the larger history of emancipation, offering a crucial understanding of the struggles that African Americans faced in the aftermath of slavery and their continued fight for civil rights.

The article emphasizes that Juneteenth is not just about remembering a historical event, but about acknowledging the continued need for freedom, justice, and equality. As the country grapples with ongoing issues of racial inequality, Juneteenth serves as both a celebration and a call to action—a reminder of the work that still lies ahead in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Juneteenth's growing visibility and recognition as a federal holiday in 2021 is a step toward acknowledging the full truth of American history, particularly the historical legacy of slavery. The article serves as a reminder that understanding Juneteenth—and the history behind it—is a vital part of addressing the country's complicated and painful past and moving toward a more inclusive future.

Reflection on the Original Author

The NMAAHC article provides a thoughtful and accessible explanation of Juneteenth, bringing clarity to its origins, meaning, and contemporary relevance. The author does an excellent job of situating Juneteenth in the larger context of the African American experience, while also reflecting on the broader significance of the holiday for all Americans. The piece is both educational and reflective, offering readers a deeper understanding of the importance of Juneteenth and its role in the ongoing fight for racial justice.

By providing historical context and discussing the cultural impact of Juneteenth, the article serves as an important resource for those seeking to understand this critical moment in American history. It invites readers to engage with the holiday not only as a celebration but also as a call for continued work toward freedom and equality for all.