Juneteenth: Embracing Truth, Joy, and Renewal

“What to the slave is the 4th of July?” This question loomed large as Frederick Douglass gave the above titled speech to an assembly of onlookers on July 5th 1852 at Corinthian Hall in Rochester New York. As I reprise my role as Frederick Douglas in the production of “Kumbaya: The Juneteenth Story,” a play by Rose McGee, I am often asked to speak about the history of this holiday and its significance to African Americans. As a pastor of an African American congregation in one of the oldest Black churches in Minnesota, I am asked to address the nuance and contradictions Juneteenth unmasks. Living between a world that is growing its awareness of the experiences of Black people and a community that has too long had their experiences unrecognized, is at the heart of why Juneteenth is more important now than ever. 

Juneteenth is a celebration that, thanks to recent federal and state action, has become part of our regular parlance in June. This has caused many to inquire about the holiday known mostly to Black Americans until very recently. I remember growing up having family reunions where kin from around the country would converge in June to celebrate, make music together, and take intentional moments to honor the bonds that continue to grow ever so distant. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized these reunions served multiple purposes. They began to happen in June largely because of the practices that began as a result of Juneteenth. 

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, after exploring other avenues including pitching an idea to repatriate Black people to Africa, signed the emancipation proclamation. It was a declaration in wartime that states in rebellion against the union must give up their slaves. It would be like stopping in the middle of a fight to set rules for your opponent. Nonetheless, the gesture signaled a change in governmental attitudes towards slavery. The wording was opposed by many on all sides as being either too weak or too wrong to implement. The problem was immediately clear as people began migrating south and West to continue their slaveholding practices. However, on June 19th, 1865, General Gordon Granger would be sent, albeit begrudgingly, to Texas to forcibly emancipate slaves in that area. Of course, it helped that by chance, a large regiment of black troops were in Galveston to put pressure on local communities to comply with General Order No. 3. It would take the punishment of death to free the last remaining victims of American chattel slavery. However, General Gordon Granger’s remarks also included patronizing admonishment:

“…The freed are advised to remain at their present homes, and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.” - United States General Gordon Granger, 1865

As if people who have literally built America need a lesson in working, let alone willing to remain in place with the sweltering heat of racial violence. After Granger's words began to spread to black communities across Texas and around the region, many began to celebrate and begin the process of piecing back together what family they could. Early news articles would depict colorful gatherings that were civil and jovial while ignoring the fact that these celebrations masked the exodus of many who did not trust their fellow “citizens” and took the opportunity to leave. This is how this historic event was passed to me throughout the years. Though we mark the occasion with festivals, parades, songs, and more, it does not alleviate the bittersweet reality that its existence is tied to human suffering. 

The gatherings, at least in my family, were a place for people to unite. To reconnect with loved ones and revel in the new-found freedoms knowing that there would always be something else to overcome. It is my hope this Juneteenth that family restoration returns to a centerpiece. That the dominant culture, as they join with us to celebrate, will appreciate all of the deep history and avoid shallow representations and words. 

African Americans have had to encapsulate our frustrations, fears, hopes, desires, and joy through our expressions and our institutions. In other words, on this holiday we sing the “blues;” for the bitter and the seer are part of the story. It’s a day to recognize each other and the love of community against the backdrop of a nation who whilst celebrating its independence on the Fourth of July, neglected to include us in the hymn. This is why Frederick Douglass’ words resonate with me.  

This Juneteenth I hope we can spark excitement in a way that tells a full and human narrative. One that simultaneously restores, convicts, and ultimately challenges our conventions. When we gather, eat, play, and pray, I hope we can sing the blues - the kind that tells the truth en route to realizing our joy.