Over the past few years, Juneteenth has grown from a little-known celebration in Black communities to a nationally recognized federal holiday. Now, major corporations like Nike giving employees the day off, and cities across the country are hosting parades, festivals, and educational events. But amid all the “Freedom Day” hashtags, themed sales, and backyard BBQs, many are asking: What does Juneteenth really mean—and how should we be honoring it?
For some, it’s a long-overdue acknowledgment of freedom delayed and justice denied. For others, it’s a reminder that true liberation—economic, social, and political—is still a work in progress. Juneteenth shouldn’t just be a day off. It should be a day of reflection, strategy, and action—one where we recommit to carrying the torch our ancestors lit.
But before we talk about how to celebrate it, we’ve got to understand what we’re celebrating. Let’s break it down:
The History
Juneteenth originated 153 years ago today when General George Granger delivered the news of freedom to the slaves in Galveston, Texas, a small town about an hour southeast of Houston. Some believe it took two years to spread the word because plantation owners in the Deep South were still angry about losing the Civil War and wanted to exploit their slaves as long as they could.
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For more than 150 years, they built their wealth and livelihood on an oppressive system where our ancestors were mere pieces of property to them and their families. The truly horrific truth is that these same types of acts are being perpetrated on our people and in our communities, and still reverberate throughout our justice and economic systems today.
Why it’s important
It’s essential that we educate our kids and ourselves about our proud and resilient history. We can do that by all the usual methods of learning: reading books, watching movies, and visiting museums that explain history from our perspective. When we are exposed to the struggles and achievements of our ancestors, we get to see the strength and unbreakable spirit of a group of people who were kidnapped from their homeland and ripped off their identity and heritage.
We also come to gain a greater understanding of those who wanted to persevere in their way of living, no matter how inhumane others may have been treated. They vehemently wanted things to go back to how they used to be and enacted laws and corrupt systems to ensure that happened. It’s insane how people still think and act that way and feel justified to do so under our current leadership. But we, as always, can endure and overcome these adversities just as our enslaved ancestors did.
What you can do today
1. Go after your dreams/Start a business.
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” as Langston Hughes so eloquently wrote. Our ancestors had dreams, and they wrapped them up in you (yes, you)! So, take steps on this day to move even closer to your goals. Even if it’s to register a business or take steps to open a non-profit or meet with other businesses to create a community partnership, every step forward is a step in the right direction.
2. Create a group that works together.
It’s one thing to scream “Juneteenth” and “Black Lives Matter,” but if we’re not supporting each other or at least working together, then there is no unity. And without unity, we can’t mobilize and accomplish more. So, if you’re a man, maybe help out a Black women’s organization. Or if you’re a woman, maybe volunteer for a Black men’s support group. Or let’s all help our senior citizens and elders, as well as do something for the LGBTQ community…you get the point. When we do it together, we all win.
3. Watch Season 4 Episode 1 of Blackish
Dre uses music and historical reenactments to convey the story of slavery and the true meaning of freedom.
4. Talk to your older family members
This will help you gain a deeper understanding of their lives and the prejudices they faced and overcame. This also serves as a great way to share how similar our collective stories are.
5. Start a family tree.
Trace your family genealogy to determine where they traveled from during the Great Migration – a 60-year exodus where an estimated 60 million Black Americans left the South and migrated north for a better life.
6. Start a Juneteenth celebration in your community
It’s important to acknowledge our history, especially in multi-racial communities. This isn’t just about our individual experiences; it’s about our country’s shared history, which should not be overlooked.
It’s important to share our history and stories with our family to strengthen our bonds.
