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A SPECIAL COMMEMORATION TO JUNETEENTH (June 19th, 2023)
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Nobody knows better than African Americans the true meaning and historical significance of JUNETEENTH. Not only have we heard of this particular day, but it is also a day to REFLECT, and yet REJOICE, because this is our true Independence Day.
In these turbulent times with the Pandemic, Protests, Police, & Poverty, it is a Call to Action for each of us to do our part in making a CHANGE--Personally, Professionally, and Politically: Always VOTE.
Texas, where Juneteenth originated, holds a large
celebration, including parades, music festivals, and cookouts. Other states, such as New York, California, and Illinois, also participate in Juneteenth celebrations with cultural events, food festivals, and educational activities.
The CALL TO ACTION is eventually to have ALL states recognize Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday.
Below are a few traditions and historical Facts about Juneteenth to share with our friends of all races and cultures who are now feeling our generational plight
and want to help.
Keep the Faith for God is still in Charge.
Blessings always,
Aunt Hattie
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Traditional JUNETEENTH Foods | |
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Source: The New York Times
(Food Section/Juneteenth)
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One way to honor this historic day is by exploring and enjoying traditional Juneteenth foods. These dishes pay tribute to African American heritage
and signify the struggles and triumphs
of the past.
Some of the most popular Juneteenth dishes include red velvet cake, fried chicken, watermelon, collard greens, sweet potato pie, strawberry pie, and other red & green foods. YUM!
This year, and every day, we encourage you to join in the celebrations by trying out some traditional Juneteenth foods.
MOST OF THESE JUNETEENTH RECIPES ARE IN MY "AUNT HATTIE'S COOKBOOK: Southern Comfort Food Favorites"
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Let us take this opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a better future for ALL.
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HISTORIC BACKGROUND of JUNETEENTH | |
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June 19, 1865 (First Juneteenth):
Major General Gordon Grainger arrived in Galveston, TX with news that the Civil War had ended and all the slaves were free. During the war Union soldiers could not get past the Confederate troops to enter Texas to tell the slaves about the Emancipation Proclamation.
When the war was over and slavery was officially illegal, plantation owners still did not tell their slaves that they were free.
As a result, the slaves in Texas did not know they were free until Major General Granger's announcement two and a half years later. Therefore, his arrival in Texas and the good news on June 19th, 1865, is the date the last slaves were freed.
This was the date of the celebration of the
first Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day).
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JUNETEENTH Now A FEDERAL HOLIDAY | |
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A Juneteenth Bill Introduced & Approved
A Bill was introduced in Washington to make Juneteenth (June 19th) a National Federal Holiday.
The Senate voted unanimously on June 15th, 2021, to have June 19th as a federal holiday; the House voted (415-14) on June 16th to approve Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
President Joe Biden signed it into law on June 17th, 2021, declaring Juneteenth, June 19th, a federal holiday--
surrounded by Vice President Kamala Harris; Opal Lee, "Grandmother of the Juneteenth Holiday;"
and other advocates, activists, and elected officials.
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Click Here for more information about Juneteenth):
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/06/15/polneteenth-federal-holiday-senate-vote/index.html
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CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
With A SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT
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Congratulations to Reagan (Ray) Thomas,
my younger granddaughter, for winning the First Runner Up
position in her first-ever pageant--competing with numerous veteran Jacksonville pageant contestants.
Her talents: Modeling, singing, dancing, acting, and her overall
persona illuminated the stage in every performance, outfits modeled,
and her interview earlier.
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The Pageant Winner (Center); First Runner Up (Left); and 2nd Runner Up (Right) | |
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Juneteenth Scholarship
Pageant Banner
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Ray at the Interview Session | |
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Reagan (Ray) Thomas--
As the First Runner Up to the Jacksonville Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant
| Ray & Her Supported Mom (Dr. Charrell W. Thomas) | Grandma Beverly & Her Son, Sean Thomas--Ray's Father | |
Ray Escorted by Her Devoted Father (Special Agent Sean Thomas, Retired) | |
Pretty in Pink
(Black Hollywood Gown)
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Ray & Her Beloved Aunt (Cheryl Washington, Esq.)
From MD
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Ray & Aunties
(Nicole & Kelly)
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Pose in front of the
Juneteenth Pageant Banner:
L to R): Grandma Beverly;
Aunt Cheryl; & Ray's Mom (Charrell)
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Much Juneteenth Pride to Ray
and to all of the other
present and former Juneteenth contestants.
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A Personal Story of Racism, Obstacles, & Triumph | | |
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NOTE:
Lessons Learned
My book, "DRIVEN TO SUCCEED:..." (below) tells my story of racism, segregation, and discrimination in the 1950s and Virginia's resistance to The Brown v. Board of Education Landmark Case (1954). This resistance caused all the schools in Prince Edward County, VA to close down in 1959 for five years.
I was 11 years old and in the 5th grade; therefore, my father sent me to Norfolk to stay with strangers just to be able to finish high school.
God intervened and helped me to overcome the obstacles and seemingly roadblocks.
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I share my inspiring and compelling story and the lessons learned in spite of the challenges I faced.
These lessons helped me during challenging times: growing up motherless; being committed to foster care; and observing racism, mistreatment, disparities, voting suppression, and
heart-wrenching grief of our fellow brothers and sisters, including during the pandemic.
I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE TO JUST HOLD ON;
KEEP THE FAITH; AND
KEEP BELIEVING!
CHANGE IS GONNA COME!
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JUNETEENTH FACTS AND DATES | |
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January 1st, 1863:
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which declares that all persons held as slaves within states that have seceded from the union are henceforth free. The Proclamation made freeing slaves the official end goal of the American Civil War and allowed African Americans to enlist in the Army and the Navy. The Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery in the United States, but it set the stage for the constitutional Amendment that followed.
April 8th, 1864:
The Senate voted and agreed to add a 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in every state.
January 31st, 1865:
The House of Representatives voted and agreed to add the 13th Amendment to the Constitution making slavery illegal in all states.
March 3rd, 1865--1872:
Congress created the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (usually referred to as the Freedmen’s Bureau), to aid in the transition from slavery to freedom. The Freemen’s Bureau (FB) also fed millions of ex-slaves, provided medical care, built hospitals, and negotiated labor contracts and labor disputes.
The FB also assisted ex-slaves to legalize marriages, and locate lost relatives, as well as helped Black veterans.
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December 6th, 1865:
- The 13th Amendment was ratified by enough States and was added to the Constitution. Juneteenth, at first, was only celebrated within the African American community, consisting of playing games eating various foods, and dressing in their Sunday’s best clothing to symbolize that they no longer had to wear the clothing of slavery.
- Sometimes the white plantation owners would oppose the celebration by refusing to let their newly freed slaves use their property for the Juneteenth celebrations. In response, Juneteenth celebrations mostly took place at churches or on donated land.
- Eventually, in the 1890s, sites like Emancipation Park in Houston, TX, and Booker T. Washington Park in Mexia, TX were established specifically for holding Juneteenth celebrations. During the early 1900s, interest in celebrating Juneteenth declined.
The Emancipation Proclamation:
The Emancipation Proclamation was credited with ending slavery, and General Granger's role in freeing the Texas slaves 2 1/2 years after the proclamation.
The Great Depression (1930s):
In the 1930s, the Great Depression forced many former slaves off the farms in the South and into the cities for jobs. Unless June 19th fell on a weekend, there were very few participants available to celebrate as they had to go to work.
Civil Rights Movements (1950’s--1960s):
Awareness of Juneteenth increased again during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. African Americans reconnected with this important historic part of their slave and ancestors’ heritage and used it to fuel their fight for equal rights.
The People's March in Washington DC (1968):
The poor people's March in Washington DC in 1968 inspired many African Americans to begin celebrating Juneteenth again. Thus, during the next several years, African American state legislator, Al Edwards, helped to increase awareness of Juneteenth until it was finally declared an official State Holiday in Texas on January 1st, 1980.
Today, Juneteenth is widely celebrated; it is a day for celebrating African American freedom and achievements. The Smithsonian,
The Henry Ford Museum, The National Museum of African American History and Cultural, and many other institutions sponsor activities and celebrations for Juneteenth, hoping to educate more people about African American history and culture in general.
However, Juneteenth has also evolved into a more national symbolic celebration of respect and appreciation for people of all cultures.
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JUNETEENTH BOOK SALE
For more information or to purchase books, Go to www.drhnwashington.com
and click on Amazon.com.
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Washington Publishing Enterprises | |
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