JUNETEENTH: BREAKING DOWN THE MONUMENTAL HOLIDAY

Happy Juneteenth y’all! Hold on, I don’t think they heard me in the back. HAPPY JUNETEENTH Y’ALL. I always get so lit on Juneteenth because it’s a day where my community comes together to celebrate. To show joy like never before. Many of us spend time with family, prepare food for the neighborhood cookout while Frankie Beverly & Maze’s Before I Let Go plays in the background. Not familiar with those two? Well it’s the “you make me haaaappy, this you can tell” song.

The one Beyoncé covered just last year for the Homecoming album?

Y’all know it right?

I will also point out that if you know the song and didn’t sing along while you read through that portion — shame on you lol.

Back to Juneteenth.

Though the Black community recognizes today as a national holiday, many Americans do not.

I’d like to think (& be hopeful that) it is due to a lack of knowledge and understanding. Just maybe you aren’t cognizant of the history behind such a pivotal day for the black community.

Not to fret though! I’m here to educate you guys on it all.

Get your pen and papers out, this is going to be a good one.

On June 19, 1865 — Africans / African Americans that were still enslaved (unaware that they had been free for two years) in Texas were forcibly released from their capture. FINALLY. Now many in tune with history might say, “Didn’t the Emancipation Proclamation written two years before free them?”

The answer is no.

The Emancipation Proclamation was written in January 1863. It only applied to states that were under Confederate control because they were to be the losers (just two years later — officially putting an end to the American Civil Way) if you will, of the war. Although, many confederate states like Texas disregarded the proclamation as well. Many Union states continued to keep slavery alive and well because many of the Confederate people began fleeing to Union states — as they were being run out by Union Troops in their own states. I mean hey. Though the intention to release all slaves was written into law, many slave owners disregarded it. They continued to keep our people enslaved and refused to recognize the proclamation. So for two ADDITIONAL YEARS, many of my people remained enslaved while some others were free.

I’ll let that sink.

…

Now that you’ve had time to let that marinate, I’ll continue.

It wasn’t until General Granger’s arrival in Galveston, that the significance of the release or freedom (if you will) of 250,000 slabs was enacted & recognized.

Now that I’ve put you on game — can you now understand why June 19 should be a major celebration across the globe?!

The way you all — hell many of us celebrate July 4th (as it is recognized as a national holiday ACROSS the board), is the way in which Juneteenth should be celebrated.

We all deserve a day of commemoration as we come together in fellowship celebrating the true ending of slavery.

Now for the 10 question quiz.

HA! I’m totally kidding, but I hope by reading this you will retain the knowledge you received here today. Go forth and educate others in your life who may not be aware of the significance of Juneteenth. Be better because of it.

As for my people, go listen to

Jay Rock’s “Win” and stay blessed. Remember they “either with you or against you”. OH & it’s still and forever the black life matters over here baby.

Thelms