Juneteenth, an important day in the United States, marks the commemoration of the emancipation of the last African American slaves in Galveston, Texas. Celebrated by the African American community for over a century, this holiday has garnered increasing recognition, particularly through its designation as a federal holiday in June 2021. The national acknowledgment of Juneteenth raises numerous questions, such as who should be included in the observance, which customs, traditions, and symbols truly capture the essence of Juneteenth, and whether this holiday can contribute to addressing the persistent structural and systemic racism that continues to impact African Americans.

The Origins of Juneteenth 

Juneteenth, derived from the words "June" and "nineteen," is a significant commemoration that marks the day enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, received news of their emancipation on June 19, 1865, despite President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior, in 1863. The arrival of General Gordon Granger in Galveston on that day brought forth the announcement to the enslaved population, signifying their freedom. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for emancipation and stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of African Americans.

From a Local to a National Celebration

Juneteenth, once observed through prayers, has transformed into a vibrant celebration. Former slaves and their descendants would embark on pilgrimages to Galveston, Texas, to pay homage to this significant day. Southern Black communities, particularly in Texas, embraced Juneteenth with intimate gatherings, Black anthems, and comforting cuisine. Today, African Americans, especially in Texas, commemorate the day through rallies, parades, picnics, beauty pageants (see the movie “Miss Juneteenth” by the Black female director Channing Godfrey Peoples) and activities like reading poetry, rejoicing in their freedom. Local communities have played a pivotal role in shaping Juneteenth celebrations. They create unique platforms where food, music, African American poetry, and influential speeches resonate. These community-led efforts foster meaningful spaces for coming together and honoring the profound significance of Juneteenth.

In 1938, Texas became the pioneering state to recognize the importance of Juneteenth, and in 1980, a law was enacted, officially establishing June 19th as a holiday. Presently, 28 states legally recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday, offering paid leave to state workers and closing state government offices. Although Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, the provision of paid time off for this observance is determined by employers.  

Opal Lee, now hailed as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," spearheaded the efforts to secure federal recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday. Supported by other organizations, they have long strived to establish June 19th as a celebrated national day, equivalent to Independence Day.

Juneteenth is not a Black thing. It’s not a Texas thing. It’s freedom of all people. I want everybody to be aware that none of us are free until we are all free.Opal Lee

The bill was signed into law on June 17, 2021, marking Juneteenth as a legal public holiday. During his speech, President Joe Biden declared that: 

Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and a promise of a brighter morning to come. (…) By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day, and learn from our history, and celebrate progress, and grapple with the distance we’ve come but the distance we have to travel (…).President Joe Biden 

Emerging controversies since the federalization of Juneteenth 

Commercialization and commodification challenges

Following its federal recognition, new forms of appropriation have emerged alongside public and family-centered celebrations. Last year, the introduction of a Walmart “Juneteenth ice cream” product stirred controversy, highlighting the growing commodification of this significant holiday. Nationally, this inevitable commercialization raises concerns regarding rightful ownership and the ethical implications of corporations profiting from a bittersweet commemoration that signifies the end of enslavement and the ongoing struggle for equal rights and opportunities for the African American population. Additional examples include the offering of a “Juneteenth Watermelon Salad” at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, an all-white panel for a “Juneteenth Soul Food Festival and Market” and the recent use of white models used to promote a Juneteenth event in Greenville, South Carolina.  

The problem lies in the fact that many of these initiatives are driven by profit rather than a genuine desire for education and meaningful celebration. This type of appropriation raises legitimate doubts about the sincerity of these organizations. It is evident that these corporations either lack understanding or intentionally avoid addressing the profound issues that Juneteenth brings to the forefront. Just as Pride Month has become synonymous with rainbow flags in June, it is crucial to go beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real, ongoing actions even after Juneteenth has passed.

Inclusivity: debating the scope of Juneteenth's observance

The question of who should benefit from this national holiday is a matter of ongoing debate, as highlighted by this quote from Morgan Casey: 

That is inherently the issue with Juneteenth’s national holiday signifier. Juneteenth is now another opportunity for rich, white people to get a paid day off while most BIPOC work. On their day off, they might go out to eat somewhere or go shopping. All the while, they are being served by predominantly Black or other POC minimum-wage workers who do not have the luxury of enjoying the national holiday title of Juneteenth.Morgan Casey

Some individuals have also raised concerns about the inclusivity of granting a day off to everyone on Juneteenth, a holiday specifically commemorating the ancestors of enslaved peoples.

An American story or a Pan-African story? 

Finally, while many events have embraced Pan-African colors, imagery, and symbolism, there has been significant backlash from African Americans who argue that Juneteenth is a distinctly American narrative. Juneteenth specifically commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans within the United States, and its significance lies in recognizing their struggles, resilience, and accomplishments. However, Pan-African symbols, such as the colors of the Pan-African flag or other visual representations, can hold deep meaning and significance for individuals and communities who identify with the African diaspora. These symbols can serve as powerful expressions of unity, pride, and resistance against historical injustices. The incorporation of Pan-African symbols in Juneteenth celebrations becomes a matter of personal and cultural interpretation. It is essential to ensure that these symbols are used with authenticity, and responsibility, and in ways that contribute to the collective remembrance, education, and empowerment of African Americans.

Unfinished emancipation?

Juneteenth should remind Americans that emancipation was a necessary but insufficient event in the move toward racial equality. Dr. Trevor Logan

Juneteenth not only commemorates the end of slavery but also symbolizes the ongoing struggle for racial equity and justice in American society. While Juneteenth holds immense significance, it alone cannot eradicate the deeply entrenched racial inequalities that persist in the country. By applying Erich Fromm's concepts of "freedom from" and "freedom to," we can recognize the profound impact of systemic racism, which impedes the full exercise of freedoms and equal opportunities for many African Americans.

A significant event that occurred on June 13th was a Juneteenth concert held at the White House, which ignited strong reactions and served as a reminder of the limitations of symbolic gestures alone. In 2022, a coalition of organizations called for President Biden to take decisive action by establishing a federal commission through executive order. The primary objective of this commission would be to thoroughly investigate reparations and thoroughly examine the long-term impact of slavery. In 2021, mayors from 11 U.S. cities made a commitment to provide financial compensation to members of the Black community, while also urging the national government and Congress to follow suit.

Concluding thoughts

A 2022 Gallup survey indicates that there has been a notable growth in public awareness and understanding of Juneteenth since 2021. The survey reveals that eight out of 10 U.S. adults now possess a significant or moderate level of knowledge about Juneteenth. Additionally, nearly half of the respondents believe that Juneteenth should be recognized as a federal holiday. Furthermore, a majority of the participants agree that Juneteenth should be included in history curricula. These findings underscore the significance of education, particularly in light of the ongoing struggles faced by African Americans in their pursuit of fundamental rights. By promoting widespread knowledge about Juneteenth, we can foster a greater understanding of its historical and cultural significance. Juneteenth offers a meaningful occasion for Americans to examine history from the perspective of the oppressed rather than the oppressor. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Black Americans and acknowledge the enduring challenges they have faced throughout history.