157 years ago, on June 19, 1865, freedom was declared for African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas, a day now known as Juneteenth. The President of the United States announced the emancipation of over 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, by executive decree. From 1865 to 1877, families were reunited, schools were built, and slaveholders were sued for compensation, according to the National Museum of African American Heritage and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu).

What may seem confusing to some is that the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by the United States on December 6, 1865, just about a year after it was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865. But that didn’t mean that the enslaved people in Texas necessarily knew about it, according to Time magazine. Slave owners kept this knowledge from enslaved people until the executive decree was declared on June 19 (time.com).

The holiday has long been observed in the African-American community, but it remains unknown to many Americans. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor the courage and resilience of our ancestors and acknowledge the progress we’ve made toward racial justice (nmaahc.si.edu).

In 1872, a determined group of African-American ministers and businessmen from Houston took charge and purchased ten acres of land to create Emancipation Park, with the sole purpose of hosting the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration. For over two decades, Event Coordinator Douglas Matthews has been a driving force behind the popular Juneteenth celebrations in Galveston, according to The New York Times (nytimes.com).

Juneteenth has made a huge impact on the African-American community. The holiday is now celebrated with cookouts and barbecues. Today, countless people continue to celebrate in the city to honor this important day in American history. Many people join the celebration and experience the pride that comes with commemorating the end of slavery in the United States (nytimes.com).

Here in San Diego, there are many events commemorating Juneteenth for all to attend. One celebration will occur at the Chollos Lake Gloria Mesa Amphitheater. According to the All Events in San Diego website, “This event will allow you to connect with a diverse audience, engage with a vibrant community of entertainment and shopping enthusiasts, and immerse yourself in a festival celebrating the spirit of Juneteenth. Join us at Chollas Lake for a day of creativity, culture, and connection“ (allevents.in).

UC High’s MCJROTC Senior Marine Instructor Master Gunnery Sergeant Clyde Harris advocated for the history behind Juneteenth to be taught in schools. “I’m excited that Juneteenth is a holiday because of the commemoration of the ending of slavery. I think that the history behind Juneteenth should be taught in school because it goes back to ethnic studies from the past and where we come from, and it lets everyone know that it still exists,” said Harris.

“This year I’m planning on doing a cookout. It works out well because my son’s birthday is around that time and we will enjoy his birthday and the actual day of the ending of slavery. It’s an important holiday for me because it helps celebrate the ending of slavery which is the biggest part of Juneteenth. My grandmother and most of my ancestors were actually in slavery, so it’s great that we get to celebrate the ending of it and how it recognizes that slavery happened,” said Harris.

Freshman Analise Nuñez shared her experience celebrating the holiday and her perspective. “Juneteenth is important to me because it’s a holiday that holds great significance for many people, especially those who were once enslaved. It is a time for us to come together and honor the people of those who came before us. I celebrate this holiday by gathering with my family at my grandma’s house. I love celebrating this day with my family which I know is important. I observe this holiday to look back on the past and celebrate the freedom that we have,” said Nuñez.

The holiday of Juneteenth holds important significance for African Americans, serving as a reminder of the struggles and victories of our ancestors. It marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the culture and history of the African- American community. This holiday is still well-celebrated and festivities are a big part of keeping this tradition alive.