Juneteeth 2017
- deltagamma1943
- Jun 19, 2017
- 2 min read
Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in forty-five states. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Juneteenth is always focused on education and self improvement. Often guest speakers are brought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Prayer services were also a major part of these celebrations. The barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations. Dress was also an important element in early Juneteenth customs and is often still taken seriously, particularly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition's roots. In the early years, little interest existed outside the African American community in participation in the celebrations. In some cases, there was outwardly exhibited resistance by barring the use of public property for the festivities. Most of the festivities found themselves out in rural areas around rivers and creeks that could provide for additional activities such as fishing, horseback riding and barbecues. Often the church grounds was the site for such activities. Eventually, as African Americans became land owners, land was donated and dedicated for these festivities. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jack Yates. This fund-raising effort yielded $1000 and the purchase of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. In Mexia, Texas the local Juneteenth organization purchased Booker T. Washington Park, which had become the Juneteenth celebration site in 1898. Today, Juneteenth is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate within communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. Juneteenth today, celebrates AfricanAmerican freedom & achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development & respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the number of cities and states creating Juneteenth committees continues to increase.
To future your education on Juneteenth follow us on Twitter @deltagamma1943 to view what we said about Juneteenth as well as view the pictures we posted as well.
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