Every year on July Fourth, people in America across all walks of life celebrate Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, America broke free from England. But it’s fair to say that Black people should be more focused on our Independence Day, which happens to be June 19, popularly known as Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is a hybrid between June and the number 19. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arranged for the 19th to be the day of celebration regarding the emancipation of slaves. This is a respected holiday among Black people. Here are the three reasons every Black person should celebrate Juneteenth.
It gives awareness to the holiday
The government does not recognize Juneteenth as a holiday. Perhaps if we shed more light on the celebrations that we’ve have through various social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) then the government will take heed to our efforts. It’s important for us to embrace one of the most significant moments in the history of Blacks in America.
It establishes pride
Black people are some of the strongest beings on Earth. To go through 400 years of slavery and tyranny, then the Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights era and even present day with police brutality, it shows the resiliency that is embedded in our DNA. A reminder of this resiliency inspires us to achieve more and to aim for success.
Our ancestors would appreciate our efforts
We didn’t have people die for us just to only go and celebrate a holiday that isn’t even meant for us in the first place. Although there is still a lot to be accomplished within our community, we must honor those who came before us and sacrificed their livelihood so that we could enjoy ours.
–andre j. ellington
