Juneteenth vs. July 4th
Jade Henry
FWIS Youth Writer
Some may have heard of the holiday Juneteenth Freedom Day but are not aware of what or why it is celebrated in the African American community. Juneteenth is a celebration that honors the liberation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. It marks the day when General Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that all slaves were free!
It was two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, freeing all slaves. However, the slave masters continued the practice of slavery for their own selfish profits. Junteeneth comes from the events on this date. Texas made it a holiday in 1980 President Joe Biden made Juneteenth an official holiday on June 17, 2021.
On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglas, an abolitionist, delivered a speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" to an audience at the Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society in Corinthian Hall, Rochester, New York. He criticized Americans for celebrating freedom while slavery still existed. He claimed that the occasion served as a reminder of the freedom denied to enslaved people, highlighting the country's moral shortcomings and the underlying conflict between its principles and actions. Fredrick Douglass used forceful words to confront his audience and fight for the abolition of slavery. He also highlighted African Americans' suffering and the injustices that they had to encounter.
In the United States, July 4th is celebrated because it officially declared its independence from Great Britain. The United States declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. United States citizens of European descent celebrate July 4th as their day of independence.
United States citizens of African American descent celebrate Juneteenth as their day of independence.
Juneteenth celebrations in Fort Wayne, Indiana include community-event celebrations such as parades, festivals, music, art displays, giveaways, local vendors, games, workshops, and educational programs at a variety of local locations. Weisser Park, McMillen Park, Kettler Park, Community Harvest Food Bank, as well as the Health Hut Wellness Center are hosting Juneteenth events this year. This is an UBUNTU celebration that implements everyone working together as one community. I AM BECAUSE WE ARE.
The colors of the Juneteenth flag are red, white, and blue, identical to those of the American flag, the star in the middle stands for hope rising on a new day. This deliberate decision demonstrates that once enslaved people and their descendants are also American citizens. The flag also features an arc and a star, symbolizing a new horizon of opportunities and the Lone Star State of Texas, where Juneteenth was first observed.
To conclude, Juneteenth is important because it commemorates the day enslaved people in Texas were officially freed and is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality. It celebrates the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom for many, while also serving as a call for continued work towards justice and equality for all. Juneteenth highlights the importance of remembering history, celebrating diversity, and working towards a more inclusive future.
This year, you should focus on spending time with your family as you celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth.