By Vernalee
This year more than ever we should celebrate Juneteenth.
Allow me to share some history on the significance of the day.
"Juneteenth is an unofficial American holiday and an official Texas state holiday, celebrated annually on the 19th of June in the United States to commemorate Union army general Gordon Granger's reading of federal orders in the city of Galveston, Texas, on 19 June 1865, proclaiming all slaves in Texas were now free.
Celebrations date back to 1866 to church-centered community gatherings in Texas. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in 49 of the 50 U.S.states.". Ohio came into the fold in 2006. Hawaii does not recognize Juneteenth. Knowing our history helps us to understand our present and navigate our future. Borrowing the tag line from an Ohio Black community group, let’s
Buy Black. Shop Black. Build Black. A habit, not a hashtag. Many have fought and died for our freedom. Let us never forget!
Happy Juneteenth!
Photo Credit: www.wane.com