Celebrating Juneteenth: A Special Day for Freedom in North Carolina
Hello my luvs, it’s that time of the year again—Juneteenth! Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, it’s a pretty monumental holiday that marks the end of slavery in…
There are a number of different ways that people celebrate the day: parades, marches and barbecues. Many people get together for ceremonies that include public service awards, prayer, and the raising of the Juneteenth Flag.
Government and educational facilities will often have programs or information regarding the history of the holiday and the Emancipation Proclamation.
Michael B. Thomas/Getty ImagesHello my luvs, it's that time of the year again—Juneteenth! Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, it's a pretty monumental holiday that marks the end of slavery in the U.S. Picture this: June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger rolls into Galveston, Texas, and drops the bombshell—enslaved African Americans are free at last! This was a full two and a half years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Talk about fashionably late, huh?
Anyway, Juneteenth is a big deal, especially in North Carolina, given its tangled history with slavery and civil rights. This state wasn't exactly a walk in the park when it came to fighting for freedom. The eastern regions were full of plantations, and let's just say they weren't built on volunteer labor. But North Carolinians have always been fighters, with courageous acts of resistance and milestones that shaped the state's vibe.
Way before General Granger's Texas announcement, North Carolina had its own emancipation journey, riddled with unique challenges. Even as the Civil War raged, there were free African Americans in North Carolina who played crucial roles in the fight for liberation. But yeah, many enslaved folks still had to endure the harsh realities until the Civil War ended and the 13th Amendment rolled in.
The first Juneteenth celebration in North Carolina? That goes way back to 1866. Picture newly freed North Carolinians throwing community-driven shindigs with church services, picnics, and educational events. It was all about fostering solidarity and celebrating their hard-earned freedom.
Fast forward to today, and Juneteenth has totally leveled up. Now we've got parades, festivals, historical reenactments, and educational forums—it's a full-on celebration! In recent years, there's been a growing buzz around Juneteenth, and communities across North Carolina are throwing some pretty epic parties. It's like a giant block party that brings everyone together.
In Raleigh, the capital city, Juneteenth is a blast! We're talking lively music and dance performances, craft fairs, food festivals—basically, a tour de force of African American culture. You’ll also find educational booths and panels, because what's a party without some learning, right? These events underscore the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice.
And then there's Charlotte, which hosts one of the swankiest Juneteenth celebrations in the state. Imagine a parade cruising through historic neighborhoods, highlighting the stories and contributions of African American residents. It's an immersive experience that connects folks with the deep roots of African American culture in North Carolina, sparking pride and community vibes.
Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the spirit of those who fought for freedom. It also shines a spotlight on the work still needed to achieve true equality. For North Carolinians, it's not just a history lesson—it's a call to action to build a future rooted in justice and equity for all.
So, as we celebrate Juneteenth each year, let's all dive into this history, honor the sacrifices made, and renew our commitment to freedom and equality. Together, we can keep the legacy of Juneteenth alive and kicking, guiding us toward a more inclusive and just society. Cheers to that!
Juneteenth is here and we want you to have the facts! While the celebration is well known in many communities, many are just now learning about today's meaning. So we're here to help break down 10 facts about Juneteenth, as we celebrate in a time where it's more important than ever to celebrate our Black community.
We also encourage you to take a deeper dive into learning more about Juneteenth and its history.
Juneteenth Fact 1: It Began in 1865
Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty ImagesAbraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in 1863. But word hadn't fully traveled to all parts of the Confederate states, as the Civil War was still going on.
Juneteenth Fact 2: It Started in Galveston, Texas
Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty ImagesOn June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and shared the news that slaves were finally free.
Juneteenth Fact 3: Major Gen. Gordon Granger Shared the News
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images for VIBEWith the Civil War over, Major Gen. Gordon Granger shared with the people of Galveston this message: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."
Juneteenth Fact 4: The Name is Easy to Trace
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images for VIBEAfter that June 19, 1865 declaration in Galveston, many people began celebrating that date as an African American Freed Day of sorts. And around 1903 people merged calling it June 19th into an easier to say "Juneteenth."
Juneteenth Fact 5: Celebrations Somewhat Died Off
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images for VIBEWhile the unofficial holiday was still celebrated in some places, in most, it sort of trickled away as there was never federal recognition. But during the Civil Rights era, many states began reviving the celebrations.
Juneteenth Fact 6: Celebrations Have Grown in the Faith Community
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images for VIBEWhile some areas recognized celebrations in general, it wasn't until many primarily Black churches got involved that Juneteenth took off. Now, it's incredibly common for faith communities to hold Juneteenth celebrations, particularly in the South.
Juneteenth Fact 7: Many Still Didn't Know it Existed
Photo by Jeenah Moon/Getty ImagesThere are still a large number of people who had no idea Juneteenth was a thing, until the last couple of years. The murder of George Floyd helped to spark a national movement celebrating Black voices and culture. That brought Juneteenth into the national conversation again.
Juneteenth Fact 8: Businesses Are Catching On
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesRealizing the importance of Juneteenth in celebrating the Black community, many businesses started making June 19 a company holiday. Businesses like Best Buy, JC Penney, Postmates, Spotify, and a host of others are celebrating the holiday.
Juneteenth Fact 9: Texas Was First to Make It A Holiday
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesWith its roots tracing back to Galveston, Texas, the State of Texas was the first to recognize Juneteenth as a paid state holiday. Virginia announced last year they would be doing the same. That made 47 states and D.C. that recognized it as at least an observance or state holiday.
Juneteenth Fact 10: Juneteenth Has Become a National Holiday
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesThe entire Black Lives Matter movement has given voice to celebrating Black voices and culture. That's why on this 155th anniversary of the Freedom Day, traction was made quickly to make this a Federal Holiday. Legislation was approved on June 16, 2021 to officially make it a Federal Holiday on June 19.
