160 years ago, they enslaved slaves in Galveston, Texas, and learned that they had been freed – two years after the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
The resulting June holiday – The combination of “June” and “19th” names have only grown in the 1.5th century. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated it as a federal holiday, expanding awareness beyond Black America.
This year marks the first June under President Donald Trump’s second administration. This bans federal government diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEIs). This includes removing Black American history content from federal government websites. Trump officials also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racist celebrations.
Still, many people are hoping to quit their jobs in June. There are plenty of street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events planned throughout the week leading up to the holidays. However, in the current political climate, some may wonder whether their company respects it.
“I don’t think anyone should be threatened or obliged to not celebrate the day,” said Mark Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. “I’ve never heard anyone is being denied. I think I can absolutely blame that.”
Those who have never given them more opportunities than they thought they had passed by may be asking themselves, but is there a “right” way to celebrate June?
For beginners and those who are honing history, here are some answers:
Is June a more strict anniversary or a party?
It depends on what you want. The June festival is rooted in food and picnics. Originally celebrated as the true Independence Day for Black Americans, the outdoor event allowed a massive, raucous reunion among once enslaved families. Many of them were separated. The rally was particularly innovative as there was no restrictive measure known as the “black code” in place in Confederate states. The code controlled whether freed slaves could vote, buy property, and gather for worship and other aspects of daily life.
Last year, the White House kicked things out early with concerts on the Southern Lawn in June and Black Music Moon. The atmosphere was primarily danced on stage with gospel singer Kirk Franklin, Vice President Kamala Harris, the first black vice president.
No plans for events or declarations have been decided this June, according to White House press.
Others may choose to treat it as a June day of rest and memory. That means providing community service, participating in education panels, or taking leave.
“The most important thing everyone should do is be able to quickly answer the question, ‘What is June?’,” Morial said.
What if you’ve never celebrated June?
Dr. David Anderson, Black Pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, is a consulting firm that helps leaders bridge conversations across race and culture, and did nothing during their adolescence. He didn’t learn about it until his 30s.
“I don’t think a lot of people know about it. It’s even my colour as an African American man. Even if you heard about it and knew about it, you didn’t celebrate it,” Anderson said. “It was just a small part of history. It wasn’t a history celebration.”
For many African Americans, far from the Texas where they grew up, it has increased the chance that they do not regularly have major celebrations. In the South, the day may vary based on when the word of liberation reached each state.
What public June events are being held?
Search online and you will find that gatherings across the country have a variety of ranges and tones. Some are more carnival-esque festivals with food trucks, art, crafts and parades. You may find information about healthcare, finance and community resources within these festivals. There are also concerts and fashion shows that emphasize black creativity. There will also be a panel that educates juniors on history.
The National Park Service, according to its website, allows you to enter all sites for free during your holiday.
Are there any special June decorations and foods?
The red, black and green liberation flag, also known as the Pan African flag, has historically been exhibited at both Black History Month and June celebrations. Red represents the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. Black symbolizes black people. Greenery represents the richness of African land.
But more people are leaning against the June flag created by activist Ben Hays, who founded the National Junior Celebration Foundation in 1997. Like the American flag, it is red, white, and blue that indicates that people who are liberated are also Americans. The five-point white star in the middle is a homage to Texas’s June birthplace. It is surrounded by another white starry line that represents the spread of freedom.
Apart from the barbecue, the red colour was a food thru line in June of the generation. Red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. June menus may incorporate items such as barbecue ribs and other lean meat, watermelon, and red velvet cakes. Drinks such as fruit punches and red Kool-Aids may appear on the table.
In recent years, it has become more commercialized in the national chain selling June party supplies, T-shirts and other products. However, this year, it appears to be less online or only online in June. Morial says he would be disappointed if companies decide that it’s too dangerous for politics to sell items in June with openness. At the same time, it could be a good opportunity for consumers.
“I also encourage people to go online and look for African-American vendors,” Morial said. “If you have to join that (commercialism), that’s what I do.”
If you’re not black, is it a way to celebrate the importance of June?
Dr. Kalida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University, said that research focuses on race, but he doesn’t realize why you want to recognize in June just because you don’t have a personal connection or because you’re not black. In fact, I accept that.
“I’m going to rebuild it and challenge non-black people who want to lean on and celebrate in June,” Brown said. “It is absolutely your history. It is absolutely part of your experience. … Isn’t this all in our history? A story of the liberation and freedom of your black brothers and sisters under the constitution of law.”
What other names are used to refer to in June?
For decades, June has been called Freedom Day, Liberation Day, July 4th, especially the second Independence Day.
“It didn’t include my descendants because we were celebrating freedom and freedom,” Brown said. “Black Americans were still enslaved, so that’s why that holiday always has a bittersweet tint.”
Are there any appropriate June greetings?
According to comedian Alan Freeman, who held the June 19 comedy show at Club 68, people wish for “Happy Juntentu” or “Happy Tan.” The day after he hosts a stand-up comedy and jazz show at his Houston restaurant and lounge, The Frisky Whiskey.
“Do you know how people say ‘Merry Christmas’ to each other at Christmas? Freeman said. “You can get ‘Merry Christmas’ from everyone. This is the same. ”
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