Juneteenth suffocates in a ceremonial grimace in the calendar of special days in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19 every year. By recalling the date when the last enslaved Black Americans were freed, this commemoration marks the year 1865, more than two years after a certain President Lincoln ordered emancipation.
Juneteenth is merrily and meaningfully celebrated across the nation in empowering ways. Let’s find out how people celebrate this important day and why it means so much to them.
How Do People Celebrate Juneteenth? Easy Ways Americans Honor Freedom
In other words, ‘Juneteenth’ is an amalgamation of ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth’. Freedom finally arrived at Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers informed the last enslaved persons that they were free.
This happened even though it had changed by law, but many of them were still ignorant in the South. Thus, Juneteenth reminds us that freedom does not come easily. This is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and joy of African Americans.
How Do People Celebrate Juneteenth With Parades and Festivals?
Another famous way to celebrate Juneteenth is by parading. Usually, these parades are in bigger cities and smaller towns. Families enjoy seeing brightly colored floats with dancers and marching bands to provide the music.
Festivals are another part of the celebration. They have common music, food, games, and artwork. Everybody is invited. These gatherings engage and entertain people. The children often participate by painting, singing, or dressing in special attire.
Why Music and Dance Are a Big Part of Juneteenth
This presence of music originates from the big part it plays in Black culture in America, which is why Juneteenth same music can be heard everywhere. Telling stories with different genre-type music-from jazz and blues to gospel and hip-hop.
Most cities have their own dance shows too. People perform traditional African dances or even step dancing. Watching these performances is fun, and it keeps tradition alive but also teaches some of the roots of African American culture.
How Do We Celebrate Juneteenth With Food?
Food is arguably one of the biggest aspects of celebrating Juneteenth. A “Juneteenth cookout” might be staged by a family or a gallant neighbor with invitees who are directed to bring potluck.
Some favorite foods include:
- Fried chicken
- Barbecue ribs
- Cornbread
- Collard greens
- Mac and cheese
- Red velvet cake
- Strawberry soda
The importance of red food on Juneteenth cannot be overstated; red signifies strength and the blood that was shed for freedom. Eating red food is an act in honor of the past and shows pride.
How Does Storytelling Help Celebrate Juneteenth?
The oldest form of telling history can be through stories. The history of Juneteenth tells tales of freedom, family, and heroes. Some read the Emancipation Proclamation while others tell tales from their grandparents and ancestors.
A story allows a young person to see life prior to and following slavery. Most cities invite speakers, poets, and writers to come and share their work with the public. Storytelling helps to animate history and give voice to the voiceless.
How Do People Celebrate Juneteenth Through Learning?
There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, and learning is invariably one key approach. Community service or volunteering is an important facet towards the growth of a better future, with community, schools, and museums hosting an array of events designed to celebrate the occasion. In some instances, you can encounter:
- History talks
- Book readings
- Art displays
- Movie nights
- School plays
Do Kids Celebrate Juneteenth Too?
Yes, kids who join in on the fun! So many Juneteenth activities are made especially for children. Some of these are:
- Coloring pages featuring African flags
- Juneteenth scavenger hunts
- Talent shows
- Story hours
- Games and prizes
How Do Churches and Faith Groups Celebrate Juneteenth?
Churches have become a major point of Juneteenth events. Customarily, they begin the day with a special service or prayer. They will thank God for freedom and pray for peace and justice for all.
Some groups perform participation in freedom songs to remember or light candles in remembrance of the ancestors. Others conduct dinners or invite guest speakers. Churches use Juneteenth as a time of love, faith, and unity.
What Are Some Symbols Used to Celebrate Juneteenth?
People display much pride and love for the holiday with many symbols. The symbols include:
- Pan-African flag-red, black, and green.
- Official Juneteenth Flag (red, white, and blue starburst).
- Kente and other African fabric patterns.
- Freedom Quote shirts.
How Do Companies Celebrate Juneteenth?
Celebrating Juneteenth is increasingly recognized by organizations within many private sectors that give employees a holiday, plan workshops on history and race, or even donate to organizations helping Black communities.
It is the working process in which an organization’s employees show inclinations to participate in the ethical aspects of the company, and is an ultimate image-building exercise that the workforce of a particular company practices.
Do People Celebrate Juneteenth Online?
Juneteenth is now celebrated online by many people, especially those unable to attend in person. Things you might see are:
- Live concert music
- History lessons on YouTube
- Virtual museum tours
- Online art galleries
- Social media challenges
How Do We Give Back While Celebrating Juneteenth?
In a spirit of giving back, many celebrate Juneteenth by volunteering for and donating to worthy causes. One might join a clean-up team, donate clothes, or support a Black-owned business.
Some people take time to register to vote or send letters to local leaders. Those activities are a reminder that the struggle for freedom goes on today. Every little bit adds to the construction of a better tomorrow.
Conclusion
Most importantly, Juneteenth is a reminder of how far we have come and how far we still need to go. It honors the strength and courage endured by those who never gave up.
There are parades and cookouts, music and prayers, learning and helping; indeed, it is a glorious celebration of Juneteenth. It is all about freedom-honoring together, a reminder that freedom is worth celebrating every single day.
