Juneteenth, 2023

Greeting readers! 

Happy Juneteenth! As the name of the holiday suggests, it occurs on June 19th. Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021 and is a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Before we get into all things Juneteenth, here are this week’s affirmations:

  • My community has the power to heal.

  • I am a force for positive change in the world.

  • I make a difference in the world simply by living in it. 

Juneteenth is an important day in American history, but only some know the facts behind this celebration. To understand the importance of this date, a few parts of history must be understood. 

  • During the third year of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This declared that as of January 1st, 1863, all enslaved people within the Confederate States will be “forever free”, effectively outlawing chattel slavery and creating a pathway for the 13th Amendment to be added to the Constitution. However, it would still be two years until the Civil War ended, and enslaved people in rebelling states were not given their freedom immediately. 

  • The Civil War ended on May 26th, 1865. It was not until 24 days later on June 19th, 1865 that Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to free more than 250,000 enslaved people and enforce the freedom promised in the Emancipation Proclamation.

  • Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day because it is the day enslaved people of Texas and other Confederate states would be given their freedom. It is also necessary to note that while Black Americans were granted freedom from enslavement, it would still be many years before Black people would be given equal treatment under the law. Progress is still being made every day to ensure all people are being treated with dignity and respect, no matter their identity. Acknowledging American history from the perspective of marginalized groups is an important part of creating a world that is equitable for everyone. 

It is critical to talk to youth about the different aspects of American history that are unflattering. Between the ages 0-6, youth are building their understanding of their own identities and how the world treats them, but also people who are different from them. Learning this history helps us stop from repeating it but also allows us to identify oppression and discrimination when we see it.

With this in mind, here’s how YOU can be a Prevention Partner:

  • Educate yourself about Black history. Here is a link that provides resources for learning Black history with options for articles, books, podcasts, videos, and more. 

  • Talk to youth about Juneteenth. Here is a link to help navigate talking to youth about racism and Juneteenth.

  • Acknowledge racial biases and be a beacon of change. Here is a link to an article that shows how nonblack people can be allies on Juneteenth.