On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, enslaved people in the area were told something that would change their lives, and those of their descendants, forever: They were free.
According to PBS, the news came two-and-a-half years late — slaveowners in Texas did everything they could to stop enslaved people from learning that then-President Abraham Lincoln awarded them their freedom in 1863 with the Emancipation Proclamation. A year after learning of their emancipation, Black Texans gathered for a Fourth of July-inspired celebration, and with that, Juneteenth was born.
In the 19th century, Juneteenth celebrations included readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, stories from former slaves, a prayer service, inspirational speeches, refreshments, games and dances, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission reported. Today, Juneteenth shindigs look a little different. Here’s how five people are celebrating the holiday this year.
Attending annual celebrations
Brittainy Lynn, a creative consultant, grew up celebrating Juneteenth. Her hometown of Abilene, Texas, always went all out for the holiday.
“Those BBQ sandwiches were the best,” she told Blavity of the town’s celebrations at the “Black” park. “I can taste it now just thinking about it.”
This year, she plans on attending Denver’s annual city celebration. She’s never been before, and she said she was surprised to learn that Denver has held “pretty big Juneteenth celebrations even before it became mainstream.”
Supporting Black-owned businesses
Both Stephanie Penn, an entrepreneur, and Mycah Bacchus Maye, an actress and entrepreneur, are planning on supporting Black-owned businesses during the holiday. As businesspeople themselves, they know how impactful buying Black can be.
“Being an entrepreneur myself, I recognize the significance of supporting other Black business owners throughout the year, particularly during Juneteenth celebrations,” Penn told Blavity.
Penn’s fundraising service program, Tee & Honey, is planning on celebrating the holiday, too. They’re selling commemorative Juneteenth T-shirts. When you buy one of their shirts, you have the opportunity to support their initiative of the month or one the organizations they’re fundraising for.
Click to read more: https://news.yahoo.com/juneteenth-means-black-americans-celebrating-184143530.html
Source: yahoo.com