A day to celebrate, with commitment

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Juneteenth, today, is a day to celebrate the emancipation of African-American slaves in the United States.

A day to celebrate how far we've come in terms of civil rights, and to take stock of the work that's left to do. But even though Juneteenth has been a recognized holiday in Iowa since 2002, many Iowans still don't recognize its significance.

As Iowa's diversity continues to increase, and as cities struggle with race-related issues, it's important for all Iowans to know the significance of Juneteenth - not only nationally and historically, but also locally and in the present day.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in our country. On June 19, 1865, Union troops and Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told slaves there that they were free.

They were among the country's last slaves to learn about their emancipation - well after President Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day, 1863.

Historians don't know exactly what caused the delay. Were messengers killed or detained on their way to deliver the news? Did landowners ignore Lincoln's hated order? Did federal troops take their time in enforcing it? We may never know.

That's also part of Juneteenth's value. The history calls attention to the difference between legal freedom and actually being free, to distinguish between legal equality and actual equality - so important in housing, employment, schools and relationships.

Iowa has a long history as a leader on civil rights issues, but even today, we see some gaps, real and perceived, between the ideal and the actual.

Such as residents' complaints of racial profiling by Cedar Rapids police, though police officials say they don't condone or practice the unequal treatment of witnesses and suspects. Or this spring's report by University of Iowa students who say they are subjected to racial slurs from fellow students.

Iowa was the seventh state to declare Juneteenth a holiday, even though African-Americans comprised only 2 percent of the state's population in 2002. Today, it's nearly 3 percent; in Cedar Rapids, 7 percent. More diversity, more benefits that outweigh challenges.

Juneteenth is for all Iowans to celebrate. Today, let's also commit ourselves to closing any gaps between legal rights and the actual practice of upholding those rights.

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