“Juneteenth – Freedom Day!”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Juneteenth – Freedom Day!”
Hello, my sisters and brothers! Juneteenth! We have another federal holiday that is nationally celebrated and recognized. We have the month of February (Black History month) – we have January 15th (MLK Day) – and now June 19th (Juneteenth).
President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19th as a federal holiday on June 17th , 2021.
We keep getting recognition for our history, but do we all celebrate and honor these holidays? Do we even know what each of these holidays and the month of February represent?
They all represent our Black history (African American history). MLK Day is recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a leader in the civil rights movement, February (Black History Month) represents the struggles and achievements of African Americans from slavery to present. It is significant that our name changed from “negro” – “colored” – “Black” to “African American”.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemorative on ending slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, an estimated 250,000 slaves in Galveston, Texas received word of their emancipation from General Gordon Granger. This was two months after the Civil War ended and 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation – dated, January 1, 1863 – had gone into effect.
It is significant to note the time frame between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the date General Gordon Granger advised the slaves that they were free. Slavery had ended but discrimination was still in full effect. As it is to this day. So, why give us another holiday to celebrate freedom from slavery if discrimination is still being practiced?
“Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation.” – Coretta Scott King
We can honor and celebrate each holiday by reflecting on its history and its importance. When we reflect on our past we can learn from our mistakes and use what we’ve learned to work towards a better future. Believers, lets get to work, individually and collectively.
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful of our history, change is possible, and there is still so much work to do.” – Barack Obama
Share the Word – make disciples – spread love – remember our history – Juneteenth! Rise Up!
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan