By Jennifer Ju
Facing Ourselves
Jennifer Ju
Many of us learned about the Emancipation Proclamation as children in school. Issued on January 1, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, it said, “all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
However, the devil is in the details. Despite the common misconception that all enslaved people were immediately liberated with the Emancipation Proclamation, freedom was granted only to enslaved individuals in places which were under Confederate control, and it did not include opposition areas in which the Union had already gained control, nor did it include border states or regions in which there had been no large-scale fighting between the Union and the Confederation, such as Texas. This led to many enslavers relocating to Texas, which was considered a “safe haven” for continued enslavement of individuals who were still viewed as their property.
It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, that federal troops were deployed to Texas to ensure freedom for those still enslaved there. Approximately 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were finally liberated. For some, freedom would still have to wait until after harvest season, as many enslavers withheld this crucial information until it was more convenient to do so. Ultimately, slavery was formally abolished in December 1865 via the 13th Amendment.
The June 19 milestone of liberation for enslaved people was first celebrated in Texas, where it came to be known as Juneteenth. It was first recognized as an official state holiday by Texas in 1980, followed by several other states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. The majority of the remaining states recognize Juneteenth with an official observance of the day.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in June 2021, after passing unanimously in the US Senate and by a vote of 415-14 in the House. Juneteenth is acknowledged as the longest running African American holiday, and its celebration has been taking place since 1865, often marked by parades, barbecues, get-togethers with friends and families, and the color red, which is considered symbolic for change and sacrifice.
However, many are still unaware of this important date or uncertain how to best honor it. Most recently, Walmart’s actions have come under fire and have been called “tone deaf” when it released its own brand of “Juneteenth themed” ice cream featuring red velvet and cheesecake flavors and a label which read, “Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope.” The ice cream was subsequently removed from stores after criticism that Walmart was attempting to commercialize and capitalize on Black emancipation.
Walmart was also called out for not supporting existing Black-owned brands, such as Creamlicious ice cream, which is nationally distributed in stores such as Target and Walmart and which already features similar flavors.
So how can we authentically and respectfully acknowledge and celebrate Juneteenth? We can make the effort to learn more about the history of enslavement in America and the fight for freedom, realizing that what we have previously learned may be inaccurate and/or incomplete. We can support Black-owned businesses. We can help spread the word about this important landmark event. We can also donate to organizations that support and advocate for equality.
We can additionally seek out and participate in events which celebrate Juneteenth, as well as explore educational resources about the holiday, such as those found on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture website.
There are some who criticize the Juneteenth holiday, saying that it is unnecessary in that Independence Day celebrates independence for all people. Some denounce the emphasis on learning about race as racist in and of itself, saying it sows division in the face of their belief that “all lives matter.”
But many acknowledge that the struggle for true equality for all is ongoing and should not be dismissed as a thing of the past. Others point out that, if one truly believes that parity for all is of paramount importance, then everyone should celebrate Juneteenth as a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against discrimination and inequality.
When we reflect on Juneteenth and what it represents, we can take a moment to quietly and sincerely think about what this holiday means to us and to be aware of what assumptions or beliefs we hold about race issues. We can call forth our courage and compassion and take the time to reach out, listen, discuss and learn more. The ripples of the past are felt today, and it is important to understand the impact that long-standing systemic racism has on the present.
As Winston Churchill said, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Are we willing to learn?
Jennifer Ju, MD is a physician who is a graduate of the Brown University family medicine residency program. She is also an actor and writer who has performed in various theatres across the state and whose plays have been produced locally. Ju has also presented numerous online and in-person workshops on mindfulness, health and wellness for parents and children, as well as for pre-K-12 educators in New Haven and Fairfield counties.