Happy Juneteenth!

Last year on the 19th of June, I approached a new friend and stated in a clear cheerful voice, “Happy Juneteenth!” He stared at me as though I had three heads and asked me what I was talking about. Now, normally this would not be so strange except that I live in Texas, and my new friend is black. You still don’t get it right?

Since I was a child I knew about Juneteenth. Wikipedia has this to say about the date, “Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former Confederacy of the southern United States. Its name is a portmanteau of ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth’, the date of its celebration. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in forty-five states.”

General Robert E. Lee surrendered on April 91865, and the news of the end of the war was slow traveling from state to state. Since then, those who are in the know will gladly announce, “Happy Juneteenth” to everyone they meet.

What makes this story even better is that I am Chicano (US born person of Mexican ancestry). I am a fourth generation American, whose family has lived in the Texas area since before it was Texas. They lived in what was northern Mexico at the time. Then, after the Mexican-American war, my family became citizens of the Republic of Texas by virtue of just being here. And, after Texas became a part of the United States, we were still here and became US citizens. Just think on it for a while and you will understand.

Anyway, my friend, the black gentleman I mentioned above, ended up listening to my explanation of Juneteenth. Being black, and living in Texas, I was surprised he was clueless about the holiday. But, there was an explanation. He is an import. His family moved to Texas from New York when he was young. That explained the lack of culture on his part. But, he did say that his life was now more complete after learning about Juneteenth, even though it did not have anything to do with him, other than that he is black.

So, after all of this, I just want to say to all of you, “Happy Juneteenth!”

Want to learn more? Check this out: Juneteenth Website.