A Call to Action

By now, much of the nation knows that June 19, 1865, known as “Juneteenth,” is the official day when the last of the enslaved Africans were emancipated in the United States. This day came two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, which was supposed to have granted them their freedom after more than two centuries of enslavement. Juneteenth is a day that memorializes African American ancestors’ freedom from generations of legalized bondage and inhumane atrocities. Although Juneteenth became a national holiday last year, it may surprise some Americans to learn the depth and reach of this holiday and its commemoration.

Now marking 157 years, the commemoration of Juneteenth as a community is a tradition many Black people (and our allies) have recognized for generations. Many who only recently learned of the holiday’s significance may be surprised to know that Juneteenth is celebrated internationally. In Iowa, Juneteenth has been officially observed since 1990, as a result of the efforts of Gary Lawson of West Des Moines, making the state the seventh to do so.

Juneteenth is the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983 (almost 40 years ago). The attention Juneteenth has received in the last year has also brought to light misconceptions about its relevance. At the top of the list is calling the commemoration divisive, which is a tactic that generally demonstrates ignorance or complicity in an effort to minimize or distract people from the history behind June 19, 1865. The history of Juneteenth and many other untold stories regarding Black history is why the African American Museum of Iowa’s mission to preserve, exhibit, and teach Iowa’s African American heritage to all Iowans is so important. Since its humble beginnings almost 30 years ago, the museum continues to share untold history from before the trans-Atlantic slave trade to Civil Rights and redlining to the school to prison pipeline (and everything in between). Teaching that the Emancipation Proclamation which was to legally end centuries of slavery was widely ignored and didn’t officially end slavery until two years later is part of our history. Learning foundational history is critical to empowering today’s generations to correct or truthfully transcribe what becomes tomorrow’s history.

Historically speaking, recognition is often seen as a means to provide credibility. But, in many instances, it isn’t always necessary. In the case of Juneteenth, though not taught in all of our classrooms across the country, the commemoration has always been based on documented truth. General Order No. 3 was announced in Galveston, Tex., releasing over 250,000 enslaved people in the state of Texas, one of the last groups to be freed in the United States. It is my hope that federal recognition and local celebrations will bring more Americans into awareness and broaden our perspectives on our full history, taking in the ugliness and the beauty. It can be said that we are rich in both.

Clearly, Juneteenth and Independence Day recognize two different parts of our nation’s history. Instead of denoting divisiveness as some argue, it is rather an opportunity to include both moments in our collective narrative. It is only divisive if you cannot or will not attempt to understand the significance of each. Instead, fully acknowledging and accepting the truth of our history surely lends itself to greater understanding of the societal norms of yesterday and today.

Juneteenth as a federal holiday can be viewed as a symbolic invitation or even a call to action. It invites us to learn about the history that has been long withheld from the masses and the reasons why. It should also inspire us to use our platforms and our voices for actions that demand equity for all people. African Americans should be able to embrace their African AND American heritage as fractions of the same whole. All Americans should be able to embrace Juneteenth as a remembrance marked by celebration.

Juneteenth commemorations can take on many forms, depending on where you live and what traditions have been maintained. In the beginning and still customary in many observances, the date is often celebrated with prayers and singing, and often includes wearing new or fancy clothes to represent freedom. Food customs are also part of the festivities and include traditional punches, cakes, fruit and barbecued meats.

As always, there are Juneteenth observances in many communities across the state. This year, the AAMI plans to commemorate the holiday on Saturday, June 18 by participating in the City’s farmers market as well as with a celebration at NewBo City Market. At NewBo, plans include a demonstration of Black excellence with talented musicians, spoken word artists, dancers, community leaders, and vendors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entire community is invited to join the museum for a day of solidarity and commemoration.

LaNisha Cassell is executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa.