Why Juneteenth is Important for Everyone

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of slavery for African Americans in the United States. Substantial challenges still remain for African Americans (AAs) post slavery, but Juneteenth marks a vital turning point in American history. We’ll explore the background and importance of Juneteenth in this article.

History of Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, over two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers announced the declaration to enslaved AAs in Texas. This historical event became a symbol of change and freedom for AAs all over the country.

Juneteenth ensures we don’t forget one of the darkest chapters in American history. At the same time, it honors the sacrifices and perseverance of AAs who endured slavery and its lingering aftermath.

Over time Juneteenth has also become a celebration of AA heritage. An opportunity to understand AA history and to appreciate AA culture.

Importance of Juneteenth

Observance of Juneteenth not only celebrates freedom for AAs, but also creates awareness of slavery’s pernicious legacy. Until this day many AAs suffer from discrimination, racism, and systemic inequalities in everything from housing, to education, to employment.

It is an uncomfortable and and ugly truth that some people would rather ignore. Many people may think the following.

“Slavery ended a long time ago and is no longer relevant to the problems people have today.“

“I was never slave, I have never engaged in slavery, nor will I ever. So why should I care?“

Regarding the past, yes, American slavery ended a long time ago. However, decades of institutionalized oppression and publicly sanctioned racism left stains interwoven to the fabric of American society.

Not everyone may notice the stains or be affected by them. But the lingering effects of slavery are not easily washed away, and substantial effort remains to fully remove them.

Regarding our connection to slavery (or lack thereof), all Americans regardless of background should care about how slavery contradicts the fundamental values that make America great.

From English Pilgrims, to Chinese railroad workers, to Mexican farmhands, America was built on the backs of immigrants who sought refuge in America from poverty, oppression, and tyranny from all around the world.

With nothing more than the shirts on their backs, they used blood, sweat, and tears to build better lives for themselves, and to build the greatest superpower on Earth.

America’s greatest asset has always been it’s people, their sacrifices, perseverance, and determination. America’s greatest strength has always been it’s open, democratic, meritocratic way of life. A country that welcomes everyone and allows all of us to pursue the best versions of ourselves.

At its best America does not care what you look like or where you come from, only what you’re made of. Slavery, oppression, racism, discrimination, it all goes against what makes America great.

As proud Americans we should all honor Juneteenth as a recognition of mistakes made, lessons learned, and improvements to come.

Final words on Juneteenth

Juneteenth remembers the darkness of the past, but also shines light on a brighter present and future. It reminds us not to repeat the mistakes of our forefathers, and that there is still room for improvement.

While Juneteenth has an acutely poignant meaning for African Americans, it is something all Americans should embrace. It reminds us to empathize, learn, and work together to ensure the USA remains what it was always meant to be.

A land where people from all different backgrounds can coexist in peace. A land of freedom where everyone is created equal and welcome to enjoy certain unalienable rights, like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Happy Juneteenth to all.

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HWL