The Importance of it

Yes, I am pretty sure that “Juneteenth”

is new to most people

(who are not black)

because it is something that they may not have heard of.

To understand what Juneteenth means

we need to look back at

end of slavery and Emancipation Proclamation.

The intent of the document which

was signed on January 1st 1863 stated

"that all enslaved peoples shall be hereby known as free."

Now.......... this sounds good in theory,

but most southern states were rebelled against this order

( only 4000 slaves were actually freed)

which resulted in the Northern army being sent out to those

that had not confirmed to the orders.

In June 1865

(exact day is unknown but that it is called juneteenth),

slaves in Texas were informed by riding solders that

they were free and had been since 1863, two years earlier.

Currently it is a federal holiday which was signed into being last year

but the fight is still ongoing

to make this a

recognized holiday

such as Dr. King’s Birthday and a state holiday as well.

So far only 18 states

(that is sad and should be bigger)

have made this a paid permanent holiday,

which means we have a way to go.

The United States have a way to go when it comes to recognizing history by non-whites who have helped shaped this country from its earliest beginnings. We need to do better……………