I have been watching a Netflix series called ‘High on the Hog.’ It’s a docuseries about the history of African American cuisine, better known as soul food. The host, chef and writer Stephen Satterfield, visit notable culinary destinations in the United States and Africa to explore the origins of soul food.
I felt so much pride watching the show, seeing the techniques, ideas, and passions that my ancestors brought with them to America. And these practices and soulful inspirations have impacted this country, and the world, in a major way.
In one episode there’s a scene where Satterfield is in Africa, walking the very same path that took Africans to the ships that would force them into a life of slavery. As he walked, he was overcome with emotion, and I quickly found myself feeling the same way. I imagined what might have been going through their minds: fear, anger, confusion, and sadness.
It was overwhelming to think about. But as Satterfield continued, he highlighted all of the amazing things that slaves did in America. He showed how they overcame adversity, how they contributed to this country, and how they fought. And just like that, my pride resurfaced.
This is the life for many African Americans. Many of us feel so much fear, anger, confusion and sadness as a result of the continued oppression we face, but those feelings are also intertwined with pride, joy, and love for who we are and how far we’ve come.
This is the beauty of Juneteenth.
It’s a day where many African Americans come together to lament our pain, while simultaneously celebrating our pride and the freedom of our ancestors. There are parades, festivals, poetry, art, and many other expressions to honor and celebrate the freedom of African Americans.
It’s a beautiful day for us, but it shouldn’t be recognized only by us. Juneteenth should be observed and celebrated by all Americans.
Most Americans have learned about the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s the document signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, ordering the end of slavery of African Americans.
But, in the African American community, this is not the day that marks our freedom. Instead, the day many of us celebrate is June 19, 1865, better known as Juneteenth, because, despite the order of the Emancipation Proclamation, many slaves weren’t even told they were free.
In fact, more than two years passed before General Gordon Granger visited Galveston, Texas, and declared to more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans that they were free. Which is why we observe Juneteenth as the date that all of our people (at least on paper) were freed.
Juneteenth is a day of independence and should be celebrated and honored. Many Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, the day America declared its independence from Britain, but it’s important to remember that on July 4, 1776, as America declared her freedom, stating in the Declaration of Independence that, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” that ALL people were NOT free. ALL were NOT equal. And ALL did NOT have rights on that Independence Day.
If freedom and independence are so important to this country – as they should be – shouldn’t ALL independence and freedom be important and celebrated? Especially the freedom of people enslaved BY this country; people who have made so many great contributions to this country. I hope your answer would be a resounding YES!
That is why Juneteenth should be observed and embraced by all Americans. Juneteenth is the Independence Day for African Americans which means it’s an American Independence Day.
Juneteenth might not carry the same weight for non-African Americans as it does for those of us who have experienced being a black person in this country, but it does carry the weight of a major wrong being made right and I think all people, especially followers of Jesus, can honor and celebrate that.
So, how can you honor this day, especially if you are not black?
You could attend a Juneteenth celebration, listen to the poetry and the songs, or watch the dances that express our pain and our pride. Read a book to better understand the day. Watch a docuseries about African American contributions to this country. But the most important thing you can do is sincerely acknowledge and honor the African American journey and discover joy in the celebration of Juneteenth, not just as Americans, but as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Romans 12:15 ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.’
