Today’s The Day When Freedom Rings African Americans Celebrate ‘Juneteenth’
Independence isn’t just celebrated on the Fourth of July.
In most African American communities, it’s also remembered today with “Juneteenth,” which commemorates the day when slaves in Texas first learned they were free.
“Freedom means more than words can explain,” said Ella Huffman, who helps coordinate Spokane’s Juneteenth festivities. “So much blood has been spilled just to make it happen.”
Despite the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, slave owners in Texas refused to acknowledge the new law and conspired to keep it a secret.
On June 19, 1865 - more than two years after President Lincoln signed the proclamation - federal troops traveled to Galveston, Texas, and forced the slaves’ release.
Juneteenth, Kwanzaa and other African American holidays don’t get much attention from mainstream society. But thousands of people celebrate them anyway along with Christmas, Fourth of July and other traditions.
In Spokane, Juneteenth will be celebrated this year with a free picnic at East Central’s Liberty Park. Most of the activities, including a talent show, will be centered on the children.
“Young kids need to recognize that freedom didn’t come to us easily,” said Alice Moore, one of the Juneteenth organizers.
About 15 people have met regularly for the past five months to organize the event. Last year’s event attracted more than 100 people, Huffman said.
Spokane’s African American community has publicly celebrated Juneteenth for the last six years, Moore said, but many in the area still don’t understand its importance.
“Nothing black was ever taught in school,” Moore said. “People here think (Juneteenth) is a black religion. … There’s still a lot of fear when they see black people together.”
Although it’s celebrated mostly by African-Americans, Juneteenth is really for everyone, she emphasized.
“To me, it’s a way of getting people together,” she said. “It’s something that everyone should try and be a part of. Everyone is invited.”
, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CELEBRATION A Juneteenth celebration starts at noon Saturday in East Central’s Liberty Park. The free event includes face painting, games and other events for children. For more information, call Richard Williams at 926-8151.