On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with life-altering news: all enslaved people were free. This declaration came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. While that executive order technically freed those enslaved in Confederate states back in 1863, many were still in bondage due to delayed enforcement, particularly in remote areas like Texas.
This delay was not coincidental. Many slaveholders had intentionally moved to Texas to avoid Union soldiers and to continue profiting from free labor. As a result, thousands of enslaved men, women, and children lived in oppression long after their legal liberation. The news delivered on that June day in Galveston wasn’t just a proclamation. It was a turning point, a spiritual exhale, and for many, a divine moment of long-awaited deliverance.
Juneteenth, a combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” is often referred to as America’s second Independence Day. For African Americans, it represents more than a historical milestone. It is a sacred moment in our collective story that blends pain, perseverance, and the promise of progress. Originally called "Jubilee Day," the first celebrations took place as early as 1866 and were often held in church yards, where families gathered for worship, food, and remembrance.
One little-known aspect of Juneteenth is the symbolism of red foods and drinks. Red velvet cake, hibiscus tea, and watermelon often appear at gatherings, representing the bloodshed and resilience of the enslaved. These traditional elements became cultural anchors that reminded each generation not just of what was lost, but of what was overcome.
While Juneteenth only became a federal holiday in 2021, it has been honored for more than 150 years. Long before the government recognized its significance, Black communities across the country were already celebrating freedom with family reunions, parades, speeches, and spiritual reflection. These celebrations were, and still are, a reminder that freedom is not a one-time event. It is a responsibility.
Today, Juneteenth should mean more to us than just a day off. It should inspire action. It should move us to educate ourselves and our communities, to fight injustice wherever it lurks, and to continue building businesses, ministries, and movements that reflect the strength of our people. It is a time to honor our ancestors while equipping the next generation.
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is not freedom denied. And while the announcement came late in Galveston, the call to remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice still rings loudly today.
So let us not merely commemorate Juneteenth. Let us activate it. Let us carry the torch of truth, walk in the light of liberation, and build a world where every soul can truly say, "I am free indeed."
Written by Larry W. Robinson – Faith-Based Author, Syndicated Media Personality, and Empowerment Strategist, committed to preserving our history, proclaiming our hope, and positioning our people for purpose-driven prosperity.
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