What is Juneteenth, you may ask?

Juneteenth (June 19th), also known as Black Independence Day or Freedom Day, is more than just a day off. It is a day celebrated annually to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, Union soldiers with General Gordon landed in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865, to announce that the war had ended and that all slaves in the U.S. were free. This made Black communities gather to celebrate the news that had come for them.

Although celebrations have been going on since the 1800s in African American communities, Juneteenth officially became a national holiday in 2021.

Juneteenth is more than a historical date — it marks a huge milestone in the fight for freedom and equality for Black people. It is a living tradition of resilience, hope, and freedom. It is a day not just for celebration but for cultural expression, with different traditions that help raise awareness of the complexity of the history of slavery, its ongoing impact, and the continuous battle for racial justice in the United States.

Here are some ways to be supportive on this day and beyond:

  • Support Black-owned Businesses: Use this day as an opportunity to look into Black-owned businesses around you and show them some support. This is a form of economic empowerment that helps close the racial wealth gap and is a step toward dismantling racial disparities.
  • Educate yourself and others: Take time to learn about the history of slavery and how it still has an ongoing impact. This can be by reading books, watching documentaries, or even attending events, and then sharing your acquired knowledge and joining in discussions that help keep the conversation about racial equity going.
  • Attend local Juneteenth events / visit historical sites: You can show support by participating in Juneteenth celebrations like cultural festivals, forums, and parades. This is a way to honor Black culture and build community with this population.
  • Advocate for Policy Change: This is a great way to show support. Advocating can look like staying informed on local and national policies that affect Black communities and putting in efforts to push for structural changes.

Understanding the importance of this day is crucial as it helps us know how to support Black communities around us.

If you or someone you know is struggling mentally due to the impacts of injustice, our counselors at Capital EAP are here to guide you every step of the way. You can reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to contact our intake team and set up an appointment.

The historical legacy of this day shows the value of never giving up — even in uncertain times.

By: Oreoluwa Afolabi, MHC Intern