What is Juneteenth and Why We Celebrate?

Juneteenth has come to symbolize for many African Americans what the 4th of July symbolizes for all Americans: freedom. Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of more than 250,000 slaves at the close of the Civil War. The celebration is based on events that occurred mainly in Texas, but it is now celebrated nationally and is recognized as a state holiday in 37 states of the United States, including New York. The name Juneteenth is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, a celebration that takes its name from the day Union troops, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Proclamation had taken effect on January 1, 1863, it freed few, if any, slaves. News of the war’s end and the executive order to end slavery did not reach Texas until two and a half years later, well after the Confederate troops’ surrender at Appomattox. Since emancipation, the Juneteenth holiday celebration has experienced a rise and decline amongst African Americans due to various economic and societal forces beginning in the early 20th Century. In the early years, little interest existed outside the African American community in participation in the celebrations.

In some cases, there was outwardly exhibited resistance by barring the use of public property for the festivities. The Depression forced many Blacks off farms and into the cities to find work. In these urban environments, employers were less eager to grant leaves to celebrate this date unless it fell on a weekend. Additionally, July 4 was the already established Independence Day holiday, and so a rise in patriotism among Black Americans steered more toward this celebration. On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas through the efforts of African American State Legislator Al Edwards. Edwards successfully passed a bill granting state recognition to Juneteenth as an official holiday and emancipation celebration. Today, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, rejoicing, and self-improvement, and planning for the future. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month of family gatherings and celebrations. On Saturday, June 19, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM, the NAACP Jackson Parish branch will host its annual Juneteenth Celebration/Fun Day at Prairie Park. The Boys & Girls Clubs will sponsor games and prizes for the youth. DJ DUB will play your favorite music along with voter registration and an NAACP membership drive booth. Join the dominoes and spades tournament - call 318-480-1363 to enter. 1st and 2nd place trophies will be given along with bragging rights for an entire year. Fish ($8) and barbeque plates ($6) will also be sold. Call 318-259-7630 to place an order ahead. Additional food like hot dogs, snow cones, watermelon, etc. will be available. All are invited! COVID-19 guidelines will still be enforced! Let's all work together to, "Striving for Unity in the Community".