This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
(Conversation with a group of students from the Sul Ross Black Student’s Association in 2008)
Me: During the program, when do you all want to stand and sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing?”
Terrell: When you go to a baseball or football game do they sing the national anthem at halftime or at the end of the game?
Me: No.
Terrell: Then why would we sing our national anthem in the middle or at the end? We need to sing it at the beginning.
Today, June 19, is Juneteenth. For those who are not familiar with the history of the day, on June 19, 1865, the people of Galveston learned the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two years earlier freeing the slaves in Confederate states.
Growing up, I’ve known about Juneteenth and what it represents. I also know that people celebrate with food, fellowship and red beverages – soda, Kool-Aid, hibiscus tea.
The red drinks represent the blood shed during slavery and some people trace it back to parts of West Africa where red drinks marked special occasions. Red was also symbolic of spiritual power.
However, growing up we seldomly celebrated Juneteenth on June 19. It was usually the weekend before unless Juneteenth was on a Friday, then events happened throughout the weekend.
Why?
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, just like July Fourth. It doesn’t matter what day July 4 falls on, that is the day of celebration. So, why observe Juneteenth any other day besides June 19?
July 4 is known as the birth of America’s independence, hence the name Independence Day. In 1941 it became a federal holiday, which gave all federal workers a paid vacation day. If July 4 falls on a Wednesday, offices and businesses are closed so employees can honor America’s birthday with their families. Community celebrations and activities happen as well, regardless of what day of the week it is.
Prior to President Joe Biden signing a Senate law making Juneteenth a federal holiday, the day was recognized in African American communities, but not necessarily nationwide.
Most people were not getting a day off to celebrate Juneteenth. This year, some businesses will be closed to observe the holiday.
Even with Juneteenth being a federal holiday this year, local events are still planned for the day before. Similar to the past, events were held the weekend before or the weekend of Juneteenth, but not on Juneteenth.
In 2020 and 2021, Juneteenth celebrations in Taylor were held in Fannie Robinson Park on June 19. I hope that tradition returns. Independence Day is celebrated on July
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4, the day America gained its freedom. Juneteenth is a day to commemorate breaking the bonds of enslavement; it should be treated the same and celebrated on June 19. I’m going to get off my soapbox now, but first
I’m going to get off my soapbox now, but first I want to wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day!
“It’s an opportunity to both look back but to look ahead to make sure that that notion of freedom and the fragility of it is always protected and celebrated.”
— Lonnie Bunch
