The History Behind Juneteenth

As families across the United States gather each year on July 4th to celebrate the nation’s independence, many Black families, including mine, have chosen a different path—one rooted in truth, resilience, and historical accuracy. We no longer celebrate the Fourth of July because, while the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, it did not grant freedom to our ancestors who were still enslaved. For us, true liberation didn’t come until June 19, 1865—Juneteenth.

Juneteeth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation—two and a half years after it was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, its enforcement relied heavily on Union troops pushing into the South. Texas, being the most remote Confederate state with a small Union presence, continued to enslave people until General Granger issued General Order No. 3, stating:

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” That announcement marked the end of slavery for over 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas. The last in the Confederacy to be freed.

Why We No Longer Celebrate the Fourth of July

he Fourth of July represents the birth of American freedom—but not our freedom. In 1776, the same men who wrote “all men are created equal” owned slaves. Black people were not considered citizens, let alone equal. How can we celebrate a holiday that celebrates independence while our ancestors were still in chains?

As writer and abolitionist Frederick Douglass asked in his historic 1852 speech:

“What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?”

“I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.”

That message still resonates today. Celebrating Juneteenth is not about division—it’s about telling the full story of America.

Why History Matters

There’s a reason so much of Black history has been buried or distorted—because history is powerful. It shapes identity, fosters pride, and builds awareness. When history is omitted or whitewashed, the truth is lost—and with it, justice.

If we don’t teach the real history, we risk allowing the same systems of oppression to remain unchecked. From slavery to segregation, from Jim Crow to mass incarceration. Black Americans have been in a constant fight for equality and recognition. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom. It’s a reminder that freedom was delayed and that justice is still ongoing.

A Time to Reflect and Reclaim

Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a federal holiday, but for many of us, it’s always been sacred. Today and everyday is the time to reflect on the strength and perseverance of our ancestors. We should honor their fight, and to commit to building a better future.

It’s more than just a day off. It’s a day to educate, celebrate, and mobilize. Whether through parades, family cookouts, or community programs, Juneteenth represents a deep-rooted acknowledgment that our freedom story matters.

Choosing to celebrate Juneteenth over the Fourth of July isn’t un-American—it’s pro-truth. We celebrate the day we became free, the day our ancestors were no longer property under the law. We choose Juneteenth to honor the struggle, the victory, and the ongoing fight for true equality.

History must be taught, not hidden—because when it is not taught, it will repeat itself.