The History of Juneteenth

Forever Altered

To resist and survive

In the lush savannas of West Africa, where the great empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai once thrived, the lives of many were forever altered by the transatlantic slave trade. The empires, known for their wealth and extensive trade networks, became sources of human capital as European demand for labor grew insatiable. It was a time of upheaval, where the clashing of swords and the cries of the captured echoed through the air. Men, women, and children were torn from their homes, often during raids or conflicts fueled by the very trade that sought to exploit them.

The journey to the coast was fraught with suffering and despair. Shackled and forced to march for miles, the captives held onto memories of their homeland and the families they left behind. They traversed paths carved by sorrow, through dense forests and across arid lands, driven by the whip of the slaver. The once mighty warriors, skilled artisans, and revered elders of their communities were reduced to commodities, stripped of their identities and dignity. Yet, within their hearts, the will to resist and survive burned fiercely, a flame that the horrors of slavery could not extinguish.

As generations passed, the spirit of resistance that had sustained the captives on their harrowing journey ignited the fight for freedom in a new land. Stories of their ancestors’ bravery and resilience were passed down, fueling a relentless pursuit of liberty. The descendants of these great West African empires would play pivotal roles in uprisings and abolitionist movements, their actions echoing the courage of their forebears. Their legacy is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the desire for freedom can triumph over the chains of oppression.

The Spirit of Resistance

A claim to rights and freedom

In the verdant landscapes of the Caribbean, the spirit of resistance among enslaved Africans was as fierce as the tropical storms that swept the islands. Haiti, known then as Saint-Domingue, became the crucible of rebellion, where the enslaved, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, rose up in a formidable insurrection that would lead to the establishment of the first Black republic in the western hemisphere in 1804. Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dutch Guianas were also hotbeds of revolt, with major uprisings occurring every few years, shaking the foundations of colonial rule and inspiring hope for freedom.

Across the Gulf in Mexico, enslaved Africans refused to accept their chains silently. In the colonial period, they engaged in various forms of resistance, from mutinies and insurrections to more subtle acts like sabotage, suicide, and escape. Their struggle was a testament to their unyielding desire for liberty, a flame that no amount of oppression could extinguish. The maroon communities, composed of escaped slaves, became symbols of African resilience and autonomy, challenging the colonial order and creating spaces of freedom in the midst of enslavement.

Further south, in the vast territories of South America, Africans played a crucial role in the wars for independence. In countries like Colombia and Venezuela, they fought alongside figures like Simón Bolívar, contributing significantly to the liberation of the continent from Spanish rule. In the United States, the valor of African American soldiers was pivotal during the Civil War. Nearly 200,000 Black men served in the Union Army and Navy, fighting not only for the preservation of the nation but also for the abolition of slavery, their participation proving instrumental in the Union’s victory. Their courage and sacrifice were a powerful assertion of their humanity and an undeniable claim to the rights and freedoms they had been denied for so long.

Juneteenth

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty

In the midst of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states were henceforth free. This historic edict shifted the war’s focus to a moral crusade against slavery and allowed for the enlistment of Black soldiers into the Union Army. These brave men, many of whom had escaped the chains of bondage, now fought not only for the Union but also for the freedom of their brethren still in captivity. Their valor was evident in numerous battles, where they fought with a ferocity born of the fight for their own liberation.

As the war progressed, Black Union soldiers became instrumental in the Union’s efforts, participating in critical campaigns that would lead to the eventual fall of the Confederacy. In the South, they moved from one plantation to another, liberating those who had been enslaved, their presence a powerful symbol of the changing tide. The fall of Richmond, VA, the capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865, marked a significant turning point in the war. The city, a stronghold and symbol of Confederate resistance, was captured by Union forces after a prolonged siege, signaling the imminent end of the Confederate cause.

The final act of emancipation played out in the far reaches of the Confederacy in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers of the 13th Army Corps, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, TX. There, General Order No. 3 was announced, which declared that all enslaved people in Texas were free. The order went further than the Emancipation Proclamation, promising “absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves,” a statement of progressive ideals that would resonate through history.

The announcement of General Order No. 3 on that warm June day in Galveston brought jubilation and marked the end of slavery in the United States. This day, known as Juneteenth, became a symbol of freedom and a celebration of emancipation for African Americans. It is the oldest known commemoration of the ending of slavery in the country, a day to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of a people who had endured the inhumanity of bondage and emerged with an unbreakable spirit of freedom.

A National Holiday

Recognized as Historical Significance

Juneteenth’s journey from a Texas state holiday to a national observance in the United States is a story of gradual recognition and respect for a pivotal moment in American history. Initially celebrated in 1866 by the African American community in Texas, Juneteenth commemorated the day when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. The day was marked by festivities, prayer, and communal gatherings. Over time, the celebration spread across the South and beyond as African Americans migrated to other parts of the country. Recognizing its significance, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth a state holiday in 1979, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

The movement to recognize Juneteenth at the national level gained momentum over the years, particularly amid the civil rights struggles and the growing awareness of the historical contributions of African Americans. It wasn’t until June 17, 2021, however, that Juneteenth was officially designated as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act recognized the historical significance of the date and enshrined it as a day for all Americans to remember the atrocities of slavery and to celebrate the achievements and resilience of the African American community.

Beyond the borders of the United States, Juneteenth has also found resonance in other countries, serving as a symbol of freedom and the end of oppression. Organizations in various nations use the day to acknowledge the history of slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans. The global recognition of Juneteenth underscores the universal aspirations for liberty and justice, reflecting on the shared history of colonialism and the enduring spirit of human dignity.

Symbolism

Flags, Colors, and Culture

The Juneteenth flag, a symbol of freedom and resilience, was designed in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. The flag features a bursting star in the center on a horizon of new opportunities, represented by an arc that divides fields of blue and red. The colors red, white, and blue were chosen to reflect the American flag, signifying that all enslaved people and their descendants are Americans. The star symbolizes not only Texas, the Lone Star State, where Juneteenth originated, but also the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states. In 2000, the design was revised and copyrighted, and in 2007, the date “June 19, 1865” was added to commemorate the day when General Order No. 3 was announced in Galveston, Texas, declaring the end of slavery.

While the official Juneteenth flag does not incorporate the Pan-African or Rastafarian colors, these hues have become unofficially tied to the celebration of Juneteenth and Emancipation. The Pan-African colors—red, black, and green—were introduced by Marcus Garvey in 1920 and represent the blood, people, and rich land of Africa, respectively. These colors have been adopted by numerous African countries in their national flags and by Pan-African organizations, symbolizing unity and the shared heritage of people of African descent.

The Rastafarian colors—red, green, gold, and sometimes black—also carry significant meaning. Red represents the blood of martyrs, green symbolizes the lushness of the Promised Land, gold stands for wealth and prosperity, and black signifies the people of the African diaspora. These colors are often seen in the iconography of the Rastafari movement and have come to represent a broader celebration of African heritage and resistance against oppression.

For the African American community, both the Pan-African and Rastafarian colors serve as a source of pride and a visual expression of the enduring struggle for freedom and equality. They are often displayed during Juneteenth celebrations, alongside the official flag, as a way to honor ancestors and the rich tapestry of African American history. These colors, though unofficial, deepen the meaning of Juneteenth, connecting the past to the present and reinforcing the community’s commitment to a future of emancipation and recognition. The tradition of red-colored foods and drinks during Juneteenth is deeply symbolic and multifaceted. The color red represents the bloodshed and resilience of the enslaved people on their path to freedom. It also reflects the cultural significance of red in West African nations, where many enslaved people originated, symbolizing spirituality, transformation, and empowerment. This tradition is embraced through the preparation and consumption of various red foods and beverages, which are often in season during June, such as strawberries, watermelon, and hibiscus tea. Celebratory dishes include barbecued meats with a reddish hue, red beans and rice, and desserts like red velvet cake, all of which honor the history and the spirit of the day.

Shaping the Future

Acknowledging the Significance of Juneteenth

Honoring Juneteenth is not only about remembering the past but also about shaping the future. It’s a day to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains in the fight for equality and justice. We can honor this holiday by actively participating in our communities, educating ourselves and others about the history of slavery and its ongoing impact, and by standing against injustice in all its forms. Whether it’s through community service, supporting Black-owned businesses, or engaging in meaningful conversations about race and privilege, each action contributes to a more equitable society.

Juneteenth is also a time for celebration, to recognize the strength and resilience of the African American community. It’s a reminder to uplift and amplify Black voices, to share in the joy of freedom, and to commit to the ongoing struggle for civil rights. By coming together in solidarity, acknowledging the significance of Juneteenth, and taking a stand for humanity, we honor the spirit of the holiday and contribute to a legacy of hope and liberation that will carry forward for generations to come.