Juneteenth: A Rising Awareness for the Newest Federal Holiday

Juneteenth Gains Awareness as the Newest Federal Holiday

Celebrating the Symbolism of Juneteenth

Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday in the United States, is gaining awareness and recognition as Americans celebrate the holiday for the third year since it was given federal status by President Biden in 2021. The holiday commemorates the fall of slavery in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863 to free enslaved Black people held in the Confederacy.

The Symbolism of Juneteenth

According to Leslie Wilson, a professor of history at Montclair State University, the celebration of Juneteenth is not just about commemorating its historical significance, but also about celebrating the symbolism of the holiday. Juneteenth represents the transition from slavery to freedom and has become a symbol of strength and triumph for African Americans.

Celebrations of Juneteenth started out regionally in Texas but spread as Black Americans migrated to different parts of the United States. During the Second Great Migration after World War II and the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Juneteenth gained more prominence as a symbol of African American heritage.

Increasing Awareness of Juneteenth

While Juneteenth has been celebrated within Black communities for many years, widespread recognition and understanding of the holiday outside of these communities have been slow. However, in recent years, as awareness of racial injustices and the history of systemic racism has grown, so has awareness of Juneteenth.

In a Gallup poll conducted in 2021, just 37 percent of American adults said they knew at least something about Juneteenth. However, as the holiday gained federal recognition and more attention, that number spiked to nearly 60 percent just a year later. This increase in awareness reflects the growing recognition of African American history as an integral part of the fabric of the United States.

The Significance of Juneteenth

For many Black Americans, the recognition and celebration of Juneteenth hold deep meaning. It represents the freedom of their ancestors and the acknowledgment of their resilience in the face of slavery and oppression. As one Dallas native, Precious Williams, puts it, “As a Black person, it means a lot to me to celebrate everybody who was free because it’s like so many people don’t know. We celebrate everything in America, you know. So those Black holidays, it’s like everybody should know about Juneteenth because it’s a part of our history.”

Cautions and Concerns

While the increasing awareness and recognition of Juneteenth are important milestones, there are also concerns about the commercialization and trivialization of the holiday. In recent years, the day has been commercialized by big-box retailers, leading to accusations of tastelessness and cultural appropriation. Additionally, some politicians have weaponized Juneteenth as part of an ongoing culture war, claiming that discussions of race and racism are attempts to demonize white Americans.

A Time for Reflection and Consideration

Despite these controversies, Juneteenth remains a time for reflection on America’s history and a chance to consider the country’s future. Greg Carr, an associate professor of Africana Studies at Howard University, believes that Juneteenth celebrations provide an opportunity for the United States to rethink its origins and the relationships between people in the country. He states, “In many ways, Juneteenth symbolically becomes a litmus test for the possibilities of this country.”

As Juneteenth gains awareness and recognition, it is crucial to continue educating ourselves about the significance of the holiday, its historical roots, and its ongoing relevance in the fight against systemic racism and for equality.

Keywords: Freedom-holiday, Juneteenth, federal holiday, awareness, rising awareness