Happy Juneteenth!
Why is Juneteenth important to us? Or, at least why it should be?
On the 4th of July in 1776 when America gained its independence, there were individuals, particularly and specifically people of color - black people, who were still not free. It wasn't until almost a century later when Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 that they would be set free. This document and proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free”. What was fortunate; however, is that so many of them were not ever aware.
Having given their blood, sweat and tears to and in the building of this country, they continued not having any idea that they, too, had gained their independence. Although the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863, many in the Confederate territories were not immediately free. It was able to be implemented in places that were still under the control Confederate control. Therefore, many of those enslaved in the Confederate state of Texas would not be free until much later. There freedom was revealed on June 19, 1865, two years later, when about 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, announcing that the more than 250,00 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree.
This is how this day, Freedom Day, became to be known as “Juneteenth”, by the newly freed people in Texas.
Having already given so much blood, sweat, tears, equity and/or in the building of this country, the enslaved black people had no idea that they had been free. Free to be who they were called.
Why this is important to us?
It is important to us mainly in inquiring of wanting to know if you know that you are already free by birthright? So many of us lack this awareness still enslaved to our minds and stories told. We want when Juneteenth comes around that you see its importance through celebration, pride and/or through stillness. We want that on this day, you will reflect on what you have been a slave to having no longer being one and not ever one, yet without knowledge, this being true.
"When you know better, you do better. Now that we know our story, let's own our now while writing new stories which sets the beautiful culture, legacy and trajectory for our future. Happy Juneteenth Day!" - RIMIDI, Founder
Why is Juneteenth important to you?
If it is not important to you, we want to know that, too.
Let us know in the comments below.
#FreedomDay #Juneteenth
Click here to read rather good read as to why Juneteenth is important.