This Friday is Juneteenth, the day when the last of the American slaves (in Texas) were told by federal troops in 1865, they were freed by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863. The day is celebrated and remembered in places throughout the United States and around the world.
Freedom never comes easy and the struggle continues. In many places, the day will start and end with the Ring Shout, a dance full of hope and remembrancer anchored in the horrors of slavery. Ring Shout developed after the slaves were forbidden to raise their feet more than a few inches during a dance.
In many places, the spirituals of Harry Burleigh will be sung and the unknown people who helped in the great Underground Railroad Movement will be recalled for their courage and defiance.
I have written about what is happening in northwestern Pennsylvania on my blog if you to check that out with links to related information. (http://koyotehill.blogspot.com). Or, if there is no local celebration, there is a lot of information available online.
Our veterans suffered and died for our freedoms, to protect our American values. With the rise in hate groups, and people spending unholy amounts of time on useless issues, such as birth certificates or tasteless Letterman jokes, it becomes important to become more aware of the truth and our historical backgrounds as a nation.
Democracy and Freedom are stronger with accurately informed citizens, and we honor those who suffered and died to keep this country a free land when we spend the time seeking the truth.
Juneteenth is an important day for the past as well as the future.
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 4
Excellent post Greg and I salute all of those Americans whose ancestors had to endure the evil of slavery. May we always remind people that this was wrong and remember those people who are still enslaved even today.
thank you. I've seen the word "Juneteenth" in various contexts but was never aware of its actual meaning.
Vincent: Thanks for the comment. Your correct, we should also remember and work to abolish slavery no matter where it exists on this planet. There are many inspiring stories about the escapes to freedom and so many moving spirituals (freedom songs) and oftentimes they are hidden and out of view. Anyone who is tired of reading all about "bad" news, would be amazed at the spunk of so many seeking freedom.
Leslie: Thanks for the comment. The history of Juneteenth is quite amazing an worth a quick read. It is a day similar to the John Brown Freedom Day and maybe at one time the two were connected. I'm not sure.