What is Juneteenth and How is it Celebrated in the United States

This week marks the fourth year of Juneteenth as an official holiday in the U.S., but the celebrations are old. Black communities across have celebrated June 19 for almost 150 years.

Since becoming a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth is increasingly widely celebrated outside Black America. The day is off work or school for many, and there are street festivals, fairs, concerts, and other festivities.

For beginners and those brushing up history, here are some answers:

After the Civil War and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Galveston, Texas slaves learned they were free on Juneteenth, 1865.

Juneteenth is about cookouts, big parties and black history

Outdoor venues hosted big, boisterous reunions of previously enslaved family members in the years after the Civil War. The gatherings were revolutionary because they were free of “Black Codes,” which controlled whether liberated slaves could vote, buy property, worship, and other daily activities in Confederate states.

Juneteenth may be a day of rest and reflection for others. That could involve volunteering, attending an education panel, or taking time off.

The key is to provide people options for celebrating, said Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, a consulting organization that helps leaders bridge race and culture differences.

We call it a day of service, like Martin Luther King Day, and many people volunteer. Anderson said many folks merely say, “I appreciate Dr. King, I’ll watch TV, and I’ll rest.” I don’t want to guilt anyone. I want to give ordinary folks options.”
Does Juneteenth have special foods?

Red is been associated with Juneteenth meal, along with BBQ. Red represents enslaved ancestors’ blood and sacrifice. Juneteenth menus may include barbecued ribs, melons, and red velvet cake. Table drinks may include fruit punch and red Kool-Aid.
Do non-Black Juneteenth celebrations matter?

Dr. Karida Brown, an Emory University sociology professor who studies race, said people shouldn’t feel uneasy about celebrating Juneteenth if you don’t know anyone or aren’t Black. In fact, embrace it.

“I would reframe that and challenge my non-Black folks who want to celebrate Juneteenth,” Brown added. Definitely your history. It’s part of your experience. Is this all our history? The good, the terrible, and the ugly of Black emancipation and freedom under the Constitution.

Educate yourself to celebrate Juneteenth authentically. Start by going to a street festival or supporting Black businesses.

Brown also advised learning why the holiday is so important if you’re unable to “ethically” celebrate. Reading, attending events, or visiting a neighboring African American history museum are ways to do that.

Her advice was to “have that full human experience of seeing yourself in and through the eyes of others, even if that’s not your lived experience.” “That is a radical human act that is awesome and inspiring.”
Other names for Juneteenth?

History has named Juneteenth Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July, and second Independence Day.

“Because 1776, Fourth of July, where we’re celebrating freedom and liberty and all that, that did not include my descendants,” Brown added. America still enslaved blacks. So that Christmas is always bittersweet.”

Juneteenth greetings

According to comedian Freeman, “Happy Juneteenth” or “Happy Teenth” are common greetings.

“You know how people say ‘Merry Christmas’ to each other without knowing each other at Christmas? Everyone can wish you a Merry Christmas. The same approach, Freeman said.

No matter your race, either greeting will “absolutely” get a smile, he said.

I believe a non-Black person celebrating Juneteenth has one chance to participate and speak out.
What’s open and closed Juneteenth?

The June 19 holiday will close several facilities, but others will stay open.

Mail Service

The USPS will not deliver mail on Juneteenth and close all post offices.

Banks

Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and others will close on June 19 for federal holidays.

State, Federal Buildings

The holiday will close all state and federal offices, including DMV and courthouses.

Dumpster Service

Chicago, like other cities, picks up trash on federal holidays. On June 19, the city’s website says there will be no household trash pickup, but certain regions will have recycling.

The city website has more info.

Schools

The holiday closes Chicago Public Schools offices. Officials said that date will not include summer programming.

On the holiday, summer-class public schools will close, although private schools may stay open. Check your district’s website for details.

Stores sell

Most stores are open on Juneteenth, but others offer shorter hours. Shoppers should check their favorite stores’ websites for hours.

Source: NBC News