DEI-in-Motion: Juneteenth
Juneteenth celebrates the true ending of slavery in the United States and it is considered the oldest African American holiday having been celebrated since the late 1800s. On June 17, 2021, it was officially acknowledged as a federal holiday. Sunday, June 19th is the celebration of Juneteenth this year, with observation on Monday, June 20th.
Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas when federal troops arrived with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were declared free. This occurred more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. While there are conflicting explanations for the delay, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with the news following the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865 armed with strong enough forces to overcome resistance.
Juneteenth is a day to gather with loved ones, celebrate Black lives, and reflect and recognize the struggle for liberation in America. Juneteenth celebrations today center family, food, and community. Cities now have several small- and large-scale celebrations for the holiday. In Boston, there are many places to celebrate Juneteenth, including the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Nubian Square.
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