Are You Ready for Juneteenth?
On Sunday, June 19, 2022, Americans will have the ability to observe the latest federal holiday, Juneteenth, for the very first time. Juneteenth traditionalists, such as Opal Lee who worked tirelessly with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation to have the observance become a national holiday, will be attending parades, hosting church events and fellowshipping with family and friends as usual. For many of us, it will be a new and uncertain thing, so here is a primer with a bit of history, resources and ideas for observing it reverentially.
First things first. Juneteenth National Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year. Federal workers will have Monday, June 20 as a paid holiday, and that includes the U.S. Postal Service workers. Now, we can address the holiday and the ways in which you can observe it based on tradition and personalization.
Juneteenth National Independence Day is all about freedom and it is a purely American holiday that has been observed by people around the world for decades. You don’t have to be Black to reverently celebrate the end of chattel slavery in the States. Still, it will be new to many of us as a freedom holiday.
The History of Juneteenth
On September 22, 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States, proclaiming January 1, 1863, the day that “all persons held as slaves within ANY state… henceforth and FOREVER FREE.” Except, the enslaved people in Texas didn’t get the word until June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the official date of freedom. On that day, enslaved people throughout the state of Texas heard the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and General Gordon Granger’s General Order No. 3. The significance of Galveston and Juneteenth is that the United States Colored Troops and General Granger were present on that day.
The Observance of Juneteenth as a Holiday
The first observance of freedom in Texas post-June 19, 1865 was a year later, but the celebration was a freedom day that later became Jubilee Day before the 1890s, when it was renamed Juneteenth. Freedom events in Texas were a combination of reunions, family gatherings, political rallies, church and community cookouts, generally held on Black church grounds given segregation in public spaces. In some documented cases, the day was also a day of mutual aid, where event attendees could receive financial help and other assistance to make their transition into freedom easier. In Galveston and other cities, the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was a major part of the festivities. The tone of the day was solemn and serious but also joyful, celebratory and a showcase of progress.
The Symbols of Juneteenth
If there is one color to remember in regard to Juneteenth, it is red. Red for the blood shed by enslaved Africans. Red is in the Juneteenth flag, which is a take on the Texas state flag. Red drink, originally thought to be hibiscus tea punch, is also important. Red fruit and foods like watermelon, strawberries and tomatoes represent abundance. Since the first events were outdoors in the summer, barbecue is an important part of the fellowship. And like New Year’s Eve, the prosperity foods like black-eyed peas, collard greens and cornbread are important to the day though not required.
There are so many historical working parts to Juneteenth, but that should not be a hindrance to observing and personalizing it in meaningful ways. Here are a few ideas and suggestions:
One of the first things newly emancipated people did was go find kin they’d been separated from. In that vein, do you have a family tree that needs attention and updating? Juneteenth is a great time to start one or fill in some blanks on an existing tree. Include other family members.
Juneteenth is a day of remembrance, so remember the ones who came before you. Go to an elder’s home; take a clipping of their favorite rose bush or plant to keep at your home. Call elders and tell them you appreciate them and their sacrifice. Take the time to ask them to share family stories and photos.
Food is a major part of observing the holiday. Bake cookies and drop them off as gifts to extended family and friends. Cook a favorite family recipe that day.
Wear something red or decorate your home with the Juneteenth flag or with red accents.
Take time to read the Emancipation Proclamation to get a feel for what the newly freed men, women and children heard and felt.
Register people to vote, a right not even the newly emancipated had until some years later.
Perform an act of giving or mutual aid. You decide what that means to you.
Lastly, if your state or municipality celebrates Freedom Day on any other day than June 19, then participate. Support the day and support freedom.
Other Resources
National Juneteenth Observance Foundation’s Juneteenth 101 Timeline
The Emancipation Proclamation, National Archives
Texas Remembers Juneteenth, Texas State Library and Archives
Juneteenth: The Gravitas and Joy of Tea Cakes and Red Drink
The Juneteenth Menu, Food Network and Black Southern Belle
Miss Juneteenth (Watch free using your library card to login.)
Robin Caldwell researches and writes about Black foodways, lifestyle and history. She is the publisher of Fresh & Fried Hard, a personal blog focused on Black women and food. A native midwesterner, exploring family history is a treasured pastime.
