On January 1st, 1863, also known as “Freedom’s Eve,” the Watch Night took place. African Americans gathered together across the United States awaiting news of the Emancipation Proclamation. As the clock struck midnight, enslaved African Americans in the Confederate States were declared legally free.
The good news of freedom spread from plantations to cities across the South. Tears of joy were cried, sighs of relief were heard, and heartfelt prayers were answered across the country. However, not everyone in Confederate states or territories would receive the good news and be free. Even with the Emancipation Proclamation effective date of 1863, leaders in the state of Texas did not put this change into effect. Due to this, many enslaved people in Texas would not be physically free until much later.
On June 19th, 1865, freedom finally rang for those enslaved African Americans in Texas when 2,000 Union soldiers arrived and announced that more than 250,000 Black people in the state were free. This day became known as “Juneteenth” to the newly freed people. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. June 19th is the official celebration of Freedom for African American people. Today, the history and symbolism of Juneteenth are that of hope, new beginnings, and resilience. In June of 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill to recognize June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day in the US.
As an African American, Juneteenth is a time of remembrance, gratitude, and acknowledgment of my ancestors and the atrocities they faced, and all that has happened for me to be where I am today. To be who I am today. One of the most widely known quotes in my family and in the African American community is, “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” To me, this means I am the personification of the freedom and liberation my ancestors prayed for. I am the opportunity they wished for themselves and their children. I am the human being they wanted to be seen as and to be treated with respect and dignity. I am Black pride. I am their wildest dreams and highest hopes.
However, there is still much work to be done to continue on the path of progress. It is in our remembrance of our ancestors and history that we give those experiences power to encourage us to continue to strive towards their wildest dreams. Take Juneteenth as a day to reflect on who you were, who you are, and who you want to be. So when the day comes when you are the ancestor – your wildest dreams will be a reality.
In more recent years, Juneteenth has been more widely celebrated across the United States with parades, community events, walks, and so much more. If you would like to join in on Juneteenth festivities and celebrations, below are a few events happening near you!
Juneteenth Celebrations Around Dayton
Juneteenth Celebrations Around Houston
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