Black history is American history. Juneteenth memorializes African American triumphs

Hearcel Craig
·3 min read
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Jun 18, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Anita Davis, dressed as Ethel Williams, applauds during the Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival in the Ohio Village on the grounds of the Ohio History Center.
Jun 18, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Anita Davis, dressed as Ethel Williams, applauds during the Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival in the Ohio Village on the grounds of the Ohio History Center.

State Sen. Hearcel F. Craig, D-Columbus, represents Ohio’s 15th Senate District, which encompasses areas of Franklin County, including Columbus, Bexley and Whitehall. Craig previously served two terms in the Ohio House and seven years on Columbus City Council.

On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, General Gordon Granger and the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas. They ordered the enslaved African Americans held captive there be set free.

This declaration by General Granger and the following celebration is considered the very first Juneteenth.

The historical legacy of Juneteenth serves as a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of African Americans who endured and overcame the atrocities of slavery. Through family gatherings, prayers and long journeys to reunite with newly freed loved ones, the early celebrations of Juneteenth symbolized hope, unity and the unbreakable bond of kinship.

As we look forward to the future, we must remember and honor these values and traditions rooted in our American culture. Black history is American history.

A month of freedom will continue

The Juneteenth Ohio Festival offers music galore, along with food, a college and career fair, classic car show and numerous other attractions. The fest is set for Saturday and Sunday in Genoa Park. Admission is free until 3 p.m., then costs $20 for adults and $5 for children.
The Juneteenth Ohio Festival offers music galore, along with food, a college and career fair, classic car show and numerous other attractions. The fest is set for Saturday and Sunday in Genoa Park. Admission is free until 3 p.m., then costs $20 for adults and $5 for children.

This month, Ohioans from across the state and region will gather in their communities to celebrate the holiday. I recently had the honor of hosting a Juneteenth celebration and flag ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse with the organizers of Juneteenth Ohio, the third-largest Juneteenth festival in the country.

700 years to equality. Blacks lag 100s of years behind white when it comes to prosperity.

We came together to kick off the Month of Freedom and pay homage to the historical significance of Juneteenth, celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and recognizing the enduring spirit of the Black community.

As we gathered to commemorate this pivotal moment in history, I highlighted the importance of acknowledging our past before unveiling a Juneteenth flag alongside local organizers and community members.

The event was fittingly held in the George Washington Williams Room of the Ohio Statehouse, which honors and is named after Ohio’s first African American legislator. Williams was a Civil War veteran and an ordained minister whose dedication to civil justice and freedom brought him to the legislature.

Juneteenth Ohio Festival: Juneteenth Ohio Festival to offer food, entertainment and more downtown this weekend

It was both powerful and moving to sing, celebrate and honor the sacrifices and achievements of Black Americans in such a historically significant place, all while raising awareness about the ongoing fight against inequality across our state and country.

Honoring the triumphs of African Americans

Jun 18, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Kim Avery wears a Juneteenth flag in her hair during the Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival in the Ohio Village on the grounds of the Ohio History Center.
Jun 18, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Kim Avery wears a Juneteenth flag in her hair during the Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival in the Ohio Village on the grounds of the Ohio History Center.

This is only the third year that Juneteenth has officially been a paid state holiday in Ohio. After being recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth was included in the list of state holidays in Ohio law when the legislation I introduced was included in the state budget.

By commemorating Juneteenth as a paid state holiday, we honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, acknowledge their sacrifices and struggles and give many Ohioans the opportunity to fully celebrate the tenacity and triumphs of Black Americans on this day.

The event at the Ohio Statehouse was the first of many Juneteenth celebrations to come this month.

Sen. Hearcel F. Craig
Sen. Hearcel F. Craig

It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society and reaffirms our dedication to the ongoing fight against systemic racism and injustices that continue to impact our culture and society.

As we look back on the legacy of Juneteenth and the arduous journey toward equality, we recognize that while substantial progress has been made since 1865, much work remains to be done. Together, we reflect on the rich history and resilience of the Black community as we continue the fight for equal rights

State Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) represents Ohio’s 15th Senate District, which encompasses areas of Franklin County, including Columbus, Bexley and Whitehall. Craig previously served two terms in the Ohio House and seven years on Columbus City Council.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why Juneteenth is celebrated as a symbol of hope, unity and kinship