Today marks the day when troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all slaves were freed. Their arrival came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
So yes, these enslaved people had no idea that they were free. Nobody gave them the damn memo! When people ask me why I don’t rock red, white, and blue and wave the American flag on July 4th, my simple response is that people who looked like me were NOT free on that day in 1776. And that’s a fact!
Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States. It has been observed as a federal holiday as of 2021.
Last week I wrote about the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and I dropped some gems about Puerto Rican history. I am proud to be a Puerto Rican woman living in the NYC metro area. I love my culture, but I’m also a Black woman.
Blackness is not a monolith.
Whether from America, the Caribbean, Africa, or any other part of the world, we share similar stories and struggles. However, today we observe a day in American history that was overlooked for so many years. We won’t dwell on the past, but we can educate, learn, and come together (regardless of color) to propel forward.
It’s a federal holiday.
Schools, banks, and post offices are closed, and there are a whole lot of events and celebrations happening today.
Liberty State Park, Jersey City (Green Circle)
All About Us Festival 12-8pm - Performances by Crystal Waters, Musiq Soulchild, DJ Wallah
Dance is Life, Central Park, Bethesda Fountain, Entrance on 72nd Street
5pm - Sunset. Click here for more information and directions.
Recognizing Juneteenth - Mark Francis, Sabine Blaizin, Ian Friday
9 Bob Note, 270 Meserole Street, Brooklyn - 8pm - 2am (Indoors & Outdoors)
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Let me know where you’re celebrating today.