Celebrations of Survival: Juneteenth

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be, free." It took until June 19th, 1865, two and a half years later, for the news that slavery had been abolished to reach Galveston, Texas. Even so, this news inspired a time of celebration and joy at started in Texas and spread across the nation. Today, this Freedom celebration is referred to as Juneteenth and the focus is not only on commemorating the end of slavery, but also on honoring family, friends, and community. It is a time for thanksgiving, reflection, remembering, and prayer. During the week of June 19th throughout the country people are gathering together to remember our past, reflect on our present, and anticipate the needs of our future.

Wonder what might happen if every predominately white church in the nation made some special effort to celebrate Juneteenth this year?

Just an idea and suggestion for white people of faith to consider.

Here is a wonderful resource page for such plans.

The graphic above is from Cora Marshall:

Cora Marshall, born in Washington, DC, is an artist, educator, and scholar. She received her B.F.A. from Howard University; Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College of Education with Parsons School of Design; and her doctorate in art from New York University. Currently, Dr. Marshall is the Art Department's Chairperson at Central Connecticut State University.

Marshall has exhibited both internationally and nationally including National Conference of Artists; Kumasi, Ghana; A.I.R. Gallery NYC; Skylight Restoration Gallery in Brooklyn; Hammonds House Gallery in Atlanta; Pittsburgh Center for the Arts; Craftery Gallery, in Hartford; the Rosenburg Gallery at NYU; and Picture That, LLC, Stamford, CT with multiple venues.

Dr. Marshall's current research interest focuses on contemporary African American artists, in particular, Black women artists (African/African-Native women artists). She has presented at numerous professional venues including the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Cornell University, Columbia University Teachers College in NY, College Art Association, Connecticut Art Education Association, and Southern Connecticut State University, in New Haven.

Comments (2)

DOC

The annual observance of Juneteenth provides America with the greatest opportunity to bring about a constructive resolution to the issue of the enslavement of Americans of African descent and the continued racial conflict that affects the nation.

Beginning in the year 2000, during the annual WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance, the "3rd Friday in June" has been set aside as the date for the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement. The day was established in recognition of former Congressman Tony Hall's (D-OH) ground breaking efforts to pass a congressional apology for slavery on the "19th of June", Juneteenth, 2000 at the first annual WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH National Holiday Observance.

While working closely with Congressman Hall, I learned first hand that America's slave legacy was still a very contemptuous issue for many Americans, who would rather ignore history then embrace the truth. Congressman Cohen's successful sponsorship of the House Apology For Slavery legislation has truly been a blessing to a nation that needs healing from the scars of slavery.

We will celebrate the passage of the Congressional Apology of Slavery during the 2009 National Day of Reconciliation and Healing From the Legacy of Enslavement. We will also continue to celebrate the passage of Apology For Slavery legislation, along with Juneteenth state holiday and state holiday observance legislation until we reach all 50 states. Five states are presently on record with Apology For Slavery legislation.

America needs healing from the legacy of slavery. The observance of Juneteenth in America affords the greatest opportunity for the nation to constructively deal with that legacy.

I hope that we can all come together on the "3rd Friday in June" every year during the National Day of Reconciliation and Healing from the Legacy of Enslavement and celebrate as a nation the end of slavery on the "3rd Saturday in June" through the observance of Juneteenth Independence Day in America.

"DOC"
Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.
Founder & Chairman
National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign
National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC)
National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF)
www.njclc.com
www.Juneteenth.us
www.19thofjune.com
www.njof.com
www.JuneteenthJazz.com

Posted by DOC | August 24, 2008 11:52 AM

Posted on August 24, 2008 11:52

Juneteenth is America’s 2nd Independence Day celebration. 26 states recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or state holiday observance, as well as the Congress of the United States.

Together we will see Juneteenth become a national holiday in America!

“DOC”
Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.
Chairman
National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign
National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF)
National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC)
http://www.Juneteenth.us
http://www.19thofJune.com
http://www.njclc.com
http://www.JuneteenthJazz.com

Posted by DOC | August 24, 2008 12:07 PM

Posted on August 24, 2008 12:07

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