Juneteenth

Until recently, Juneteenth was an overlooked event in our nation's history. 

When it comes to celebrations of American independence the focus has been on July 4th -- celebrated since the 1770s and federally recognized in 1870.

Just this week President Biden signed a bill to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. 

I’m in my 50s now and I was never taught about Juneteenth in school. As a matter of fact, very little Black history was taught unless it was during February, Black history month. We had only 28 days to learn about the culture and contributions of African-Americans to this country. It was like we never existed!

So what is Juneteenth, and why do I celebrate it?

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1862, ending slavery in the Confederacy. However, thousands of black people remained enslaved after the Civil War was over. 

It took two and a half years for the Union Army to arrive in Texas to enforce the end of slavery. On June 19,1865, Union troops freed the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston,Texas.

Freedmen started celebrating Juneteenth (June and 19th) the year after, and over time it has become the most popular annual celebration of emancipation in the United States.

“Though I didn’t learn about Juneteenth as a kid, now that I know the true story of my people’s independence I will never feel the same way about the 4th of July again.”

Though I didn’t learn about Juneteenth as a kid, now that I know the true story of my people’s independence I will never feel the same way about the 4th of July again.

All these years, I was celebrating White America’s independence and freedom.

I’ve been following the wrong teachings and philosophy. I’ve been taught "his” “story" -- the history of white men -- but have been taught little about Black history.

The truth of Black resilience, culture, excellence, and joy, has been hidden for generations, for centuries. If we allow America to give us our answers, the stories we will be told will create confusion and self doubt about who we are and what we have achieved.

It's never too late to learn the struggles that our ancestors endured for equal rights. Keep learning. This will give you an understanding of how far we have to go to keep our freedom alive.

Rodney Gaines

Rodney Gaines is a 40 year resident of Davee Gardens. Prior to serving as RVA Thrives Collaboration Coordinator, Rodney worked for UPS for 14 years and started with RVA Thrives as a Community Advocate in 2017. Rodney is a small business owner, offering mobile hair cuts around the City of Richmond. Rodney does community outreach, neighbor engagement, and leads the work on jobs access. Rodney enjoys gardening and recently completed the Ginter Urban Gardeners program. Contact Rodney at rodney@vacommunityvoice.org.