JUNETEENTH

 

June 19 commemorates the end of slavery the USA. Now celebrated as Juneteenth – a blend of the words “June” and “nineteenth”  - this day is also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Black Independence Day – it marks the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the United States. This celebration honours the contribution African-americans have made to the USA.

Even though President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was not until General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to demand that enslaved people there be set free that Black people could celebrate their freedom and exercise their rights all over the USA. This event took place two years later, on June, 19, 1865. This celebration is said to be the oldest Black American holiday.

Education is key for dismantling systemic racism. We should work towards an equitable social system in which people are not disregarded or discriminated due to race, religion or gender identity.