Happy 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth!!!! What? You don't know what Juneteenth is???? How about the 4th of July, do you know what that is? No, it's not a day off of work to cookout and watch the fireworks. Yes, it is Independence Day...just not for the enslaved Africans. So, now do you want to know abut Juneteenth??? Good, let me help inform you!
As history would tell it President Abraham Lincoln's executive order, known as the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves became official January 1st, 1863. However, due to a minimal number of union troops to enforce the order, in Texas, it had little to no impact. That all changed with the surrender of General Lee in April 1865 and the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger's regiment, with forces strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. There are several stories speculating about the 2yr delay of the executive order. However, once the order was read by the now ex-masters of the enslaved the emotions ranged from shock to pure elation. Many left instantly in search of family members in neighboring states.
I can only imagine how it felt to have the chains removed from your life both physically & mentally knowing that you are finally free. What will you do? Where will you go? To most it didn't matter, they were free. Free to search and reunite with family in places unknown. Free to pursue whatever dreams you have. Of course, a celebration was in order.
Juneteenth celebration traditionally is a time to reassure each other, for praying and gathering family members, it also is a time for educating each other & self improvement. The elders would tell of the times of the enslavement and the reaction to the news of freedom which would cause the younger generation to reflect and be grateful for the now. Today, many are blessed to still have these stories past down through the generation and reflect on the sacrifices made in order for them to be where they are now.
A celebration is not a celebration without food, of course, so the barbecue pit became the center of attention at these celebrations. Families came together, as we do today during cookouts, and bought special dishes to share. Often times the dishes prepared contained ingredients that was not cooked everyday due to them not being available & the cost. Dress also played a part with former slaves disposing of their filthy garb and adorning themselves with more proper attire from their former owners.
So why do so many, especially our youth, not know of Juneteenth? We are all at fault. we recognize July 4th as a celebration of an independence, not for the slaves, but for the masters. As time goes on unfortunately we lose those stories with the passing of our elders. Take time out on today to speak with the descendants of that era that are blessed to be among us. Learn of what happened and how much faith & strength it took for them to began again in a new land. When you gather around the barbecue pit let the talk be more of a self reflection than a contest on twerking. Teach our future that although we, as a people, are not always portrayed in the best light, we are from a proud heritage. We didn't start from the bottom. We were kings & queens!
My prayer is that we put as much (or more) effort into June 19th as we do July 4th! Let's get back to educating each other and TRUE self reflection!
To learn more about the 'Spirit of Juneteenth' visit juneteenth.com.
My heart & prayers go out to the families & community effected by the tragedy that occurred in Charleston, South Carolina and those that are not being shown in the media all over the world! Bless up! #selah
L
