June 19, 1865, is a significant date in U.S. history and a pivotal time for Black Americans. Juneteenth is a play on June 19, and it has long been recognized and honored in the African American community. Juneteenth has a historical legacy that is valued throughout our communities. Extension works with community partners and other collaborators who lead and provide visibility to the importance of Juneteenth.
Background and Recognition
The Emancipation Proclamation, declared by President Abraham Lincoln, went into effect on January 1, 1863. This Proclamation was passed to free enslaved people in Confederate-held territory in the United States during the American Civil War. At a turning point and deadly time in American history, this proclamation brought hope and freedom for enslaved Black people in this country. However, it did not immediately free all enslaved individuals. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers under the leadership of General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to issue General Order No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free...” This announcement was over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Together, the Emancipation Proclamation, the end of the Civil War, and the passage of the 13th Amendment finally ended slavery throughout the United States. On June 17, 2021, the President signed a bill into law declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Celebration
Juneteenth has been celebrated by African American communities for over 150 years. It is a time of year to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future. Juneteenth is celebrated in ways that integrate historic lessons and performances, art, music, dance, and food, among others. In our Illinois communities, Juneteenth celebrations include:
- resource fairs at local parks;
- educational presentations on topics or issues affecting African American communities;
- scholarship opportunities for students;
- social activities and games at community gathering spaces;
- fundraising events;
- art exhibits;
- festivals;
- parades and many others.
Find more opportunities in your local or surrounding areas on your town's event pages.
Looking to the Future
In Extension, try to distinguish between outreach and engagement. The former is a one-way flow of information or expertise from the university/Extension to the community, and the latter is a mutually beneficial relationship that brings Extension and the communities we serve together (Bruns & Franz, 2015). Juneteenth guides pathways to connect with our communities, and it creates openings for true community-engaged work with our collaborators. I hope you get a chance to participate in the upcoming Juneteenth events and consider future opportunities.
Reference
Bruns, K., & Franz, N. (2015). Cooperative Extension Program Development and the Community-University Engagement Movement: Perspectives from Two Lifelong Extension Professionals. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 3(2), 10.
Image Credit
Unsplash | Derek Lamar