What is Juneteenth? What do I say? What do I do? Your Tri-Cities guide to the holiday
This year’s Juneteenth will be the third since the day was recognized as a federal holiday, and there is confusion over the holiday, what it’s purpose is and how to take part in celebrations.
Before you can observe Juneteenth, you should know why it’s significant. Once you understand the history, you can look at possible celebrations and decide what’s best for you.
Celebrating Juneteenth has been a tradition in Texas for years. It was the first state to make the day an official holiday in 1980. It’s a common tradition in the Lone Star State to sip on red soda or juice, which is ripe with historical meaning.
Check out other delicacies you can enjoy for Juneteenth.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of slaves in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. It is a common misconception that all slaves were freed through the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. In reality, this enactment was only the first step. It was followed by Union troops informing slaves of the proclamation and the creation of further legal rights for Black people in America.
General Gordon Granger rode in with his men to inform slaves that they had been freed. The last announcement from Union generals took place in Galveston, meaning they were the last to hear of their freedom and the end of the war, according to Scott Finnie, an expert in Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University. Communities of Black Americans have since celebrated June 19.
The holiday reminds everyone that slavery was abolished, yet freedom was not granted for many for over two years.
The day is a celebration of freedom. It is also a day to bring to light ongoing issues and efforts for true freedom, a day for activism, for remembrance, for increased awareness.
The dichotomy of these truths can make participation in the day’s celebrations a bit complicated.
Can I say Happy Juneteenth?
This is debated in Black communities. Some people would rather not hear the phrase at all, while others think it is okay to say indiscriminately on a social media post or as a general statement. This stems from the possible microaggressions of exclusively saying “Happy Juneteenth” to Black people in particular. It’s considered presumptive, as not all Black people are African Americans who resonate with the day.
So say it to everyone or not at all, is what some people ask.
How can I celebrate Juneteenth?
There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, and each individual will resonate with certain traditions over others. According to the official Juneteenth website, what’s important is that your commemoration of Juneteenth is “celebratory, festive and in honor of African American history.” The site also maintains a list of celebration ideas.
A big part of recognizing Juneteenth is spreading awareness. If you can’t take part in Juneteenth in any other way, it is enough to teach the people in your life what the day is about. Educate others and yourself with resources like these.
Black-owned businesses in Tri-Cities
Juneteenth is a good time to remember to support Black-owned businesses. There are many in Tri-Cities. Some popular options include:
Juneteenth events in Tri-Cities
Like every year, the Tri-Cities Juneteenth Community Council has a series of events planned around the commemoration, including the annual Miss Juneteenth Pageant on June 16.
June 16: Miss Juneteenth Pageant at Chiawana High School - 6 p.m.
June 16: Kick-off party for 21+ at Salon Monte Carlo - 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
June 17: Fun Day at Historical Kurtzman Park - 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
June 17: Citrus Party for 21+ at Salon Monte Carlo - 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
June 19: Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
June 24: Juneteenth community worship service at New Movement church - 11 a.m.
June 24: Red and Black on the Green at Frichette Winery - 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
