June 19th 2024.
As the fight for equal rights and racial justice continues to gain momentum, more and more people are recognizing the importance of Juneteenth and pushing for it to become a national holiday. This has resulted in an increase in Juneteenth celebrations across the country, from New York City and Atlanta, to Chicago and Los Angeles, and even in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. And as these celebrations take place, they reflect the unique history and significance of each city.
In New York City, the spotlight is on Seneca Village, a pre-Civil War Black community that was bulldozed to make way for Central Park. Andrew Thomas Williams V, a descendant of one of the first landowners in Seneca Village, believes it is crucial for the story of this community to be told. He points out that the land where Central Park now stands was once owned by Black people, a fact that is often overlooked. Seneca Village holds a special tie to Juneteenth, as it dates back to the abolishment of slavery in New York State in 1817.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, while Juneteenth is recognized, there is also a tradition of celebrating Jan. 1 as the day the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. The Atlanta History Center has been celebrating Emancipation Day for over 150 years, making it one of the first places to recognize the day. In 2011, Georgia officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday, and the Atlanta History Center continues to honor the occasion through various events, including a documentary screening about legendary baseball player Hank Aaron and an interactive tasting inspired by a cookbook for Juneteenth celebrations.
In Chicago, the celebration of Juneteenth has grown significantly since it was made a federal holiday in 2021. Rev. Donald McFadden, who started the African Awareness and Appreciation Parade in 2014, wanted to bring his community together in a positive way. His wife, Sharon, explains that they were tired of the negative portrayal of their community and wanted to showcase its true spirit. Through this parade and other events, Juneteenth has become a starting point for important discussions about race and the history of America.
As Juneteenth continues to gain recognition and importance, it is crucial to reflect on Black culture and accomplishments. This year's celebrations in Seneca Village will feature performances, games, and representation from the three churches of the community. In Atlanta, the festivities will combine Juneteenth history with America's national pastime, baseball. And in Chicago, the Juneteenth Village Fest provides a platform for discussions about race and the history of America. These celebrations serve as reminders of the progress that has been made, while also highlighting the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
As the country continues to grapple with issues of racial justice and equality, there has been a growing movement to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday in honor of the end of slavery. This momentum, largely inspired by the tragic death of George Floyd, has led to widespread celebrations and events in cities across the United States, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as the nation's capital, Washington D.C.
In these cities, Juneteenth celebrations have taken on a unique significance, reflecting the diverse and complex histories of each location. In New York City, for example, Seneca Village has emerged as a prominent symbol in the recognition of Juneteenth. This pre-Civil War Black community was once located where Central Park now stands, and its story is an important reminder of the struggles and accomplishments of Black Americans. Andrew Thomas Williams V, a descendant of one of the first landowners in Seneca Village, emphasized the importance of sharing this history with others, stating, "It's really important for everyone to know that this land wasn't always Central Park. It was actually owned by our own people at one point."
The significance of Seneca Village is further highlighted by its ties to the abolishment of slavery in New York State. In 1817, the state legislature passed a law that would end slavery and set a date, July 4, 1827, for when it would officially become illegal. This connection to the end of slavery makes Seneca Village a fitting location for Juneteenth celebrations, as Central Park Conservancy historian Marie Warsh explains, "Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery, is also an opportunity to reflect on Black culture and accomplishments. Seneca Village is significant in relation to Juneteenth because it represents the promise of freedom for Blacks in New York, decades before 1865."
This year's Juneteenth celebration in Seneca Village features a variety of activities, including performances, reimagined games from the village's past, and representation from the three churches that once existed there. In Atlanta, where the holiday has been recognized for over 150 years, there is also a unique tradition of celebrating the day that the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1st. The city's Juneteenth festivities will include a screening of a documentary on Atlanta Braves legend Hank Aaron, as well as other programming that highlights the history and culture of the holiday.
Similarly, in Chicago, the festivities surrounding Juneteenth have gained more attention since it was made a federal holiday in 2021. Rev. Donald McFadden, who started the African Awareness and Appreciation Parade to honor Juneteenth in 2014, spoke about the importance of bringing the community together for a positive celebration. His wife, Sharon, added, "We hear so much negativity about our community. That's not who we are. This is who we are." Through events like the Juneteenth Village Fest, Chicagoans have an opportunity to engage in discussions about race and the history of America.
As Juneteenth gains recognition and acceptance as a national holiday, it is important to remember the unique histories and perspectives of each community that celebrates it. These celebrations serve as an important reminder of the progress that has been made towards racial equality, as well as the work that still needs to be done. By coming together to honor and reflect on the end of slavery, we can continue to move towards a more just and equitable society for all.
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