Steffen D Land’s Post

Today is #Juneteenth - an important holiday (read below) that marks the end of a shameful chapter of #American (not just #Black) #history. Please spread awareness and feel free to celebrate humanity and equality. As we celebrate #humanity and #equality, we also have the power to spread awareness about this important day. Let's all take part in this responsibility! Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate ending slavery in the United States. The holiday's name is a portmanteau of the words "June" and "nineteenth," as it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger (pictured below) ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Although the date commemorates enslaved people learning of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation, this only applied to former Confederate states. There remained legally enslaved people in states that never seceded from the Union. These people did not gain their freedom until the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 is Juneteenth and 𝒘𝒉𝒚 should we care? Juneteenth, marking the official end of slavery in the United States in 1865, is a holiday that many Americans have recently learned about. Despite misconceptions, it's not a new "woke" holiday but a significant day in our nation's history. Dating back to 1866, Juneteenth has been celebrated as a "Day of Freedom" in Texas, mainly by Black Americans. However, it's crucial for all Americans to commemorate this day as it symbolizes a fundamental shift towards liberty for all, not just Black history. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers enforced President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, liberating the final enslaved individuals in Texas. This momentous event, occurring years after the Confederate South's surrender, highlights the delayed spread of news in the absence of modern communication technologies. It took over two years from the Emancipation Proclamation for slavery to be completely abolished nationwide. Juneteenth stands as a testament to the enduring struggle for freedom and equality in America. It represents a pivotal step in our collective journey towards upholding the principles of liberty and justice for all. Let's recognize this historic milestone and embrace the significance of Juneteenth in our shared history. #Juneteenth #Freedom #HistoryLessons #Libertyandjustice4all

For more than 150 years, the June 19 holiday has been an important observance to many Black communities across the country. Since it was designated a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has become more universally recognized beyond Black America. The Caribbean and sugar cane have a dark history intertwined with slavery. 🌍 European colonization in the 16th and 17th centuries led to a massive demand for sugar, a luxury good at the time. However, growing sugar cane is labor-intensive, and European nations turned to enslaved Africans to fill that brutal labor need. Conditions on these plantations were horrific, with long hours, harsh punishments, and short lifespans for the enslaved people. 🧑🏾🌾⛓ Emancipation in the Caribbean wasn't a single event, but rather happened at different times across the islands. Many Caribbean nations achieved emancipation in the mid-1800s, though some French and Dutch colonies held out until the late 19th century. 📜🌴🕊 Here's where Texas comes in. As part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, Texas did not abide by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which declared enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. It wasn't until June 19th, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, that the state's enslaved population learned of their freedom. This date became known as Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom for African Americans in Texas, even though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued over two years prior. 🇺🇸🗽🤝 Juneteenth commemorates the delayed news of emancipation reaching Texas, highlighting the lingering effects of slavery even after its abolishment. It's a day to celebrate freedom but also a reminder of the struggle for justice and equality. ✊🏽❤💚

Understanding Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection and Celebration (Brief Overview) Juneteenth, also known as “June Nineteenth”, marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Despite the proclamation, it did not instantly free all enslaved people, especially in places like Texas where there was no significant presence of Union troops. The arrival of General Granger in Galveston signaled freedom for Texas’s 250,000 enslaved people, leading to celebrations among newly freed Black people and the birth of Juneteenth. In December 1865, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment. Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday and, on June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. It is a day to honor African-American history, culture, and progress. Celebrations often include festivals, parties, parades, and church services. As we approach Juneteenth, let’s take a moment to reflect on its significance and the journey towards freedom and equality. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work that still needs to be done.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, recognizes the right to freedom of enslaved people and those who weren't freed on January 1, 1863—when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery. Juneteenth is a play on words between June and nineteenth. In a great injustice, 250,000 people in Texas were enslaved for two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger entered Galveston, Texas. He announced that enslaved people were free and that the Civil War was over. We celebrate Juneteenth and its song for freedom and justice! We call to dismantle institutionalized racism and its imposed barriers to the health and well-being of Black, Afro-Latino, and other people of color. We celebrate the contributions of African Americans toward equity, dignity, and health for all of our communities. Read this article to learn more about Juneteenth https://bit.ly/3VyF19q

“Juneteenth was never about commemorating a delayed proclamation but about celebrating a people’s enduring spirit.” - Annette Gorden-Reed 📣What is it? Juneteenth (aka Freedom Day) marks the day, June 19th, 1865, when the last group of slaves in the United States (Texas) were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln. 📣Why it matters? 🎉Cultural Heritage: It’s a celebration of endurance and resilience that allows us to honor and acknowledge the hardships of the African American’s contribution to the American society. 📚Education and Awareness: It’s part of the history of the United States and helps educate people on an important chapter that was overlooked. ❤️🩹Reflection and Healing: While it offers a reflection on the past and awareness of the progress made toward equality, it also provides a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. 🙌🏾We can do both: acknowledge the painful history of slavery and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans while also holding space to continue to fight for equality. 📣Looking to learn more? Podcast: The History and Meaning of Juneteenth by The Daily Book: On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed Website: [National Museum of African American History and Culture](https://lnkd.in/g-6K4VD9) 1 minutes listen: https://lnkd.in/gyWE7BrP

❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💚 As we commemorate Juneteenth, it's essential to recognize this significant day in American history, marking the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom, but also a reflection on our ongoing journey towards equality and justice. Despite its importance, there are several misconceptions about Juneteenth. Let’s clear up some of these common misunderstandings: ☝🏽Misconception 1: Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. While Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas, it was not the official end of slavery in the entire United States. The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery nationwide, was ratified on December 6, 1865. ✌🏽Misconception 2: Juneteenth is only celebrated in Texas. Juneteenth originated in Texas, but it has grown into a nationwide celebration. Today, it is recognized as a holiday or special observance in many states, with various communities across the country honoring this day. 👌🏽Misconception 3: Juneteenth has been widely celebrated since 1865. While Juneteenth celebrations began in 1865, the day gained significant national recognition much later. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on Juneteenth, highlighting its importance and the need for broader education about its history. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s take this opportunity to educate ourselves and others about its historical significance and commit to continuing the work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. 👊🏾

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a historic day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of all enslaved people, enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln over two years earlier. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, symbolizes resilience, freedom, and the enduring fight for equality. It serves as a reminder of the long journey toward civil rights and the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and injustice. Celebrating this day honors the rich culture and contributions of African Americans to our society. As we observe Juneteenth, let us reflect on our history, recognize the progress made, and commit to creating a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of Juneteenth lives on in our actions and in our communities. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Equality #History #Inclusion #Diversity #CivilRights

On the first day of Black History Month, it's noteworthy for me to dive into the 1619 Project, recognizing its significance. This historical initiative sheds light on the arrival of enslaved Africans in the Virginia Colony in 1619, a pivotal moment marking over two centuries of slavery in North America. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that in the state of Florida, information about the 1619 Project is banned from being taught in schools. Despite its importance in understanding America's history, the restrictions on discussing this project underscore ongoing debates about the narrative of slavery and its impact on the nation. On August 20, 1619, a group of "20 and odd" Angolans, kidnapped by the Portuguese, arrived in the Virginia Colony, marking the beginning of over two centuries of slavery in North America. Originally captured by Portuguese forces and shipped from Angola, they were attacked at sea, and the White Lion traded some of them for food at Point Comfort, Virginia. Despite being technically labeled as indentured servants, the Africans forced into servitude in 1619 fit the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' definition of enslaved people. This arrival marked a pivotal moment in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, which displaced around 12 million Africans. While only about 400,000 were brought to mainland North America, their labor played a crucial role in the British colonies and later the United States. As the plantation economy thrived, fueled by crops like tobacco and cotton, slavery persisted even after the 1807 abolition of the slave trade. The institution of slavery endured for 246 years, becoming deeply ingrained in American society, and its repercussions continued long after formal abolition, contributing to persistent racial discrimination. #blackhistorymonth

During a keynote address in July 1852, at an event commemorating the Declaration of Independence, Frederick Douglass asked, “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” Today, someone might ask, “What is Juneteenth to the enslaved people’s descendants?” The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture says Juneteenth marks America’s “second independence day,” long celebrated in the Black community but largely unknown elsewhere until it became a federal holiday in 2021. But just like the country’s initial Independence Day (July 4), the commemorative date for Black people’s independence (June 19) comes with asterisks. Contrary to wives’ tales and urban legends, Juneteenth doesn’t celebrate the day when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. It’s the day, in 1865, when 2,000 Union troops arrived and finally enforced the newly won freedom as mandated by the Emancipation Proclamation. But even that history lesson isn’t cut-and-dried. Slavery wasn’t outlawed throughout the country until Congress ratified the 13th Amendment on Dec. 6 of that year – eight months after Confederate forces surrendered the South’s cause. Some states still clung stubbornly to their so-called rights; Delaware didn’t ratify the 13th Amendment until 1901 and Kentucky held out all the way until 1976, finally making slavery illegal. However, there must be a date to commemorate freedom for African Americans. The Fourth of July doesn’t cut it because many Founding Fathers were enslavers in 1776. Therefore, June 19 (often celebrated on the third Saturday) gets the honor. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #AmericanHistory