Juneteenth: What is it? When Did You Learn About It?

It's only right that on "Juneteenth" I write about and explain "Juneteenth".

Juneteenth is the REAL INDEPENDENCE DAY for the African American community. The date, June 19, 1865, marks a very significant and monumental time for Black lives (NOT JULY 4th), it was the day slaves found out they were free after a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed) that ended slavery in January of 1863!).

Say that shit again! Enslaved Africans in many Confederate Southern states like Texas didn't discover the fact that they were free til June of 1865, after Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery 2+ years prior! Even after that, not all enslaved blacks were freed... The month of June and it being the 19th day combined is how the term came to be.

Back in high school, was the first time I believe the subject was mentioned, of course during Black History Month. Juneteenth wasn't ever discussed in elementary school when covering the topic of Black History or Social Studies. In college, it wasn't til I took 2 classes in African American History my junior and senior years lead my Black Profressors. You'd figure in all that time, I would've learned something if not more, but sadly, no.

This is sad and disappointing. So many people are finding out about what should be recognized as a national holiday, through social media or the internet today. Some people didn't discover this til today in 2020 or within the last 10-15 years due to a documentary or Facebook/Instagram posts through Black friends or accounts they follow! It's wild, unfair, not okay and it is a little known Black History Fact which blows my mind.

Juneteenth is 155 years old today and the fact that THIS day isn't discussed in elementary schools, high schools and colleges is a shame, period!

Yet, July 4th, 1776 is America's Independence day and as a country we are taught to celebrate that day with fireworks, all things red white and blue, cookouts, parties you name it, but, my people! Black people! WERE NOT FREED and Slavery WAS NOT ENDED during that time, so why do we celebrate that day so hard?! Why isn't Juneteenth celebrated with that same energy? Why isn't Juneteenth a national holiday marked on the calendar? I have so many questions...

However, since the Civil War, Slavery ending, the Civil Rights Movement and now the Black Lives Matter Movement(2014), JUNETEENTH has always deserved to be celebrated because it represents so much more.

It represents the education and understanding of true freedom, the freedom from hundreds of years of oppression and enslavement for African Americans. It represents Black heritage and the start of well deserved opportunities for Black ancestors. It represents Black Joy and most of all Black Independence.

This day will forever be celebrated and counted for in my book for as long as I live and then some, let's keep this day going so that it is never forgotten!

HAPPY JUNETEENTH YALL!