Juneteenth: A Conversation

Happy Juneteenth! In preparation for the momentous (now federal) holiday, we filmed an interview with Lisa Alvarado, our Director of Facilitation, where we discuss the significance of Juneteenth and what it means to celebrate and remember in 2021. Both Lisa’s historical expertise and personal connection to Juneteenth as a native Texan provide a unique perspective on the holiday, commemorating the emancipation of those 250,000 who remained enslaved in Texas, 2.5 years after The Emancipation Proclamation. 

Today, especially in light of our country’s ongoing racial reckoning, Juneteenth represents a celebration of culture, the dismantlement of oppressive systems, agency, and the promise of hope, community, and empowerment.

Please share with us - How do you plan to commemorate this day? Individually, in your organization, or within your community? Tag us on social media @holisticindex!

Some fast facts about Juneteenth:

  • Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to free the last enslaved individuals in Texas 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

  • It is most celebrated in the state of Texas where it has been an official state holiday since 1980. Juneteenth was made a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021.

  • Early Juneteenth celebrations often involved helping newly freed black folks learn about their voting rights.

  • Present-day Juneteenth celebrations commonly involve cookouts, parades, church services, musical performances, and other community events

  • Food is a central part of Juneteenth celebrations. Barbecue and red-colored foods are popular including red drinks, watermelon, and red velvet cake

  • In 1867, community leaders in Houston – all of whom were former slaves–pooled together $1,000 to purchase land devoted specifically to Juneteenth celebrations, naming it Emancipation Park.

  • The Juneteenth flag is red, white, and blue to symbolize that all formerly enslaved people and their descendants became American citizens under the law.

the-flag-by-ben-haith-later-refined-by-lisa-jeanne-graf-features-a-star-of-texas-bursting-with-new-freedom-throughout-the-land-over-a-new-horizon-says-the-celebrations-organization-its-red-white-and-blue-echo-the-american-flag.jpg

Sources:

  • https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth

  • https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.html

  • https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth

  • https://www.npr.org/2021/06/17/1007315228/juneteenth-what-is-origin-observation

Check out our Anti-Racism in the Workplace Guide for resources to educate yourself, help others, and help your company.

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