July 4th 1776 is known as Independence Day, however, it does not embody freedom for everyone. A newly recognized holiday for the freedom of African Americans is Juneteenth, which is June 19th (hence the portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth"). Why is there a different day than what is widely known? What did the Emancipation Proclamation do if there is a need for Juneteenth? Let's delve into honest history for African Americans and possibly gain some knowledge...
From Jan 1, 1863 to June 19, 1865
The Emancipation Proclamation was the official documentation declaring that all enslaved African Americans were legally freed on Jan 1st in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. Truthfully, not all slave owners in the Confederate South chose to recognize this or even notify their slaves of their new status. Selfishly so, as the United States started this new world of only legalized citizens, slaves in Galveston, Texas were not able to access this privilege and continued to suffer. Sources note that it took 2 and a half years for Galveston to become aware of the decree. Those approximately 250,000 slaves in Galveston, Texas were forcibly freed on June 19th, 1865 by 2,000 Union soldiers. This meant that, without a doubt, all people, regardless of the color of their skin or location in the nation, can live life in the United States as a full citizen.
Juneteenth as a Holiday
Celebrations for Juneteenth around the nation are recorded as early as the year 1866. Due to great innovations to access more knowledge, more and more descendants of slaves and people of color spread the truth of our freedom. Just in 2021, President Joe Biden signed for Juneteenth to be commemorated as a federal holiday. The truth is that, collectively, African Americans were free in 1865. "The 4th of July" aka Independence Day recognizes this nation free of British rule. Juneteenth marks the celebration of African Americans freedom within the US and representing civil rights, equality, and justice for all...quite literally.
Juneteenth 2024 for My Place Home for the Homeless
We believe in Juneteenth as we remain a resource for those in need and support sustainability in our community. On Wednesday, June 19, 2024 our staff will stand to celebrate the freedom of African Americans. Founders, Pastor Reginald Kerr and his wife Sarah are African Americans focused on serving various marginalized groups, especially people of color in Buffalo, NY. My Place Home for the Homeless is a space for disadvantaged women and children to gain resources and regain their independency and self-sufficiency. Want to support My Place Home for the Homeless? Visit https://www.myplaceforthehomeless.org/ and click Donate Now.
Happy Juneteenth!
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