RANT | Should Non-Black People Be Granted An Off Day for Juneteenth?
Hello my friends!
I hope you all are doing well. I really appreciate you for stopping by. If you are a subscribed member thank you so much for your support. If this is your first time coming across this page, thanks for stopping by. For my first timers, and loyal readers, I hope you enjoy this post.
If you haven't done so already, please be sure to click that SUBSCRIBE button and input the necessary information. Don't worry, the subscription is FREE, and you are not obligated to keep your memebership; you can cancel your membership at any time, not questions asked.
Today we're going to be talking about Juneteenth, what it is, why it is such an important holiday for black people, and then later we will dive into my thoughts about the recent bill.
I hope you all are ready! Let's get started!
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. According to my sources, Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced that all enslaved people in Texas were free by order of President Abraham Lincoln. This was more than two years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for enslaved people in the Confederate states.
Juneteenth is also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Black Independence Day. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States and the achievements and contributions of African Americans to American society. Juneteenth is observed with various activities, such as festivals, parades, church services, music, food, and education.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth is the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983. Juneteenth 2023 will occur on Monday, June 19.
Source:
(1) Juneteenth - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth.
(2) What Is Juneteenth? | HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth.
(3) Juneteenth World Wide Celebration. https://www.juneteenth.com/.
(4) . https://bing.com/search?q=Juneteenth.
President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States. This law commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and recognizes the significance of June 19th, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act designates June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a day to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and to reflect on the nation's history of slavery and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
The law has several key implications and benefits:
Federal Recognition: The law officially recognizes Juneteenth as a federal holiday, joining other significant national holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This recognition acknowledges the historical importance and cultural significance of Juneteenth.
Commemoration and Education: Juneteenth serves as a day for education and reflection on the history of slavery, the struggle for freedom, and the contributions of African Americans to the nation. The holiday encourages public awareness and understanding of the experiences and heritage of African Americans.
Unity and Healing: Juneteenth promotes unity and healing by acknowledging the historical injustices and the continued fight against systemic racism. It provides an opportunity for communities to come together, engage in dialogue, and foster greater understanding and empathy.
Celebration of African American Culture: Juneteenth celebrations often include parades, festivals, music, food, and cultural activities that highlight African American heritage, achievements, and resilience. The holiday serves as a platform to honor African American culture, art, music, and traditions.
Reflection on Progress and Ongoing Challenges: Juneteenth offers an occasion to reflect on progress made in the fight for equality, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges and work that still lies ahead to address systemic racism, social justice issues, and ensure equal opportunities for all.
The establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a significant step towards recognizing and reckoning with the painful history of slavery in the United States. It emphasizes the importance of equality, justice, and the continued pursuit of civil rights for all Americans. The holiday provides a platform for education, healing, celebration, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.