Juneteenth

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Happy Juneteenth!

By Kevin ⋅ June 19, 2008 ⋅ 11 comments

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

Please rejoice with me on this day and help spread awareness about this important historical event. Spend some time learning about the often untold history of people of color in the United States. Attend a Juneteenth event in your area.

Celebrate the lives of our ancestors.

Oral History–Early African American memories

Oral History-Part Two: Early African American memories.

Celebrate black creativity

American Sonnet (10) – Wanda Coleman (with apologies for improper formatting)

our mothers wrung hell and hardtack from row

and boll. fenced others’

gardens with bones of lovers. embarking

from Africa in chains

reluctant pilgrims stolen by Jehovah’s light

planted here the bitter

seed of blight and here eternal torches mark

the shame of Moloch’s mansions

built in slavery’s name. our hungered eyes

do see/refuse the dark

illuminate the blood-soaked steps of each

historic gain. a yearning

yearning to avenge the raping of the womb

from which we spring

A Black Man Talks of Reaping-Arna Bontemps

I have sown beside all waters in my day.
I planted deep, within my heart the fear
that wind or fowl would take the grain away.
I planted safe against this stark, lean year.

I scattered seed enough to plant the land
in rows from Canada to Mexico
but for my reaping only what the hand
can hold at once is all that I can show.

Yet what I sowed and what the orchard yields
my brother’s sons are gathering stalk and root;
small wonder then my children glean in fields
they have not sown, and feed on bitter fruit.

Read these AfroSpear bloggers on Juneteenth:

[updated: 20 June. 12:02am]

Ultraviolet Underground

Fort Wayne African American Independent Woman

Exodus Mentality

There… Already