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Why We Celebrate Juneteenth
The understanding and excitement of Juneteenth is growing at a phenomenal rate. Cities and States all across the U.S. and beyond are realizing the wonderful opportunity we have to come together in appreciation, reconciliation and commemoration. During Juneteenth, we acknowledge the African American spirit and pay tribute to the roles and contributions which have enriched our society.
Through the efforts of those at the grassroots level, to those on the state and national levels, Juneteenth celebrations are now held in most, if not all, 50 states. Over half have passed some form of legislation establishing Juneteenth as a Special Day of Recognition. Several other states have similar legislation pending.
We celebrate with those, who see the wisdom and vision of an America who comes to terms with truth, acknowledges its mistakes and commits to liberty and justice for all. We live in a different world today. There is neither room nor time for bigotry, hatred and racism within our own citizenry.
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"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."
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MCC Celebrates Juneteenth
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What Is Juneteenth?
 | | Ashton Villa in Galveston, Texas - Site of the reading of General Order 3 |
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the slave masters to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All or neither could be true. For whatever the reason, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory. Read more...
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Juneteenth In Modern Times
Throughout the 80's and 90's Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a growing and healthy interest from communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, a number of National Juneteenth Organizations have arisen to take their place along side older organizations - all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.
Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the number of cities and states come on board and form local committees and organizations to coordinate the activities.
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MCCs Celebrating Juneteenth
MCC of the Coachella Valley is hosting a Homecoming Reunion BBQ benefitting the 2014 People of African Descent Conference. Saturday, June 16th. For more information.
MCC LA's AZANIA People of African Descent will host their annual Juneteenth BBQ fundraiser on Sunday, June 17th. For more information.
or Tweet using #MCCPADJuneteenth.
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Juneteenth Celebrations Around the U.S.
Galveston, TX
Syracuse, NY http://syracusejuneteenth.org/
Berkley, CA http://www.berkeleyjuneteenth.org/
Columbus, OH http://www.juneteenthohio.net/events.htm
Sacramento, CA http://www.sacramentojuneteenth.com/events.html
Phoenix, AZ http://www.vosjuneteenth.com/
San Antonio, TX http://www.juneteenthsanantonio.com/
Denver, CO http://www.denver.org/events/detail?e=760 States Celebrating Juneteenth: Juneteenth is a partial or full state holiday, or an official observance in about half of the US, including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington and Wyoming. |
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