#CelebratingFreedom

(Black PR Wire) Miami, FL -- “Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger announced to the people of Texas that all slaves were free in accordance with a Proclamation from the president of the United States. The news was surprising yet exhilarating. Being able to have equal rights, own property and no longer be known as a slave was more than something to celebrate… it was groundbreaking. From this day forward, June 19th became Juneteenth and on June 19, 2021, President Joe Biden proclaimed this day a federal holiday.

Juneteenth was celebrated mostly amongst the African American community. They would barbecue, go fishing and attend prayer services. Also, dressing up was important as well. Before, there were laws that prohibited enslaved people from dressing in anything other than the garments given to them by their masters. Early in the Juneteenth celebration, it was said that former slaves would toss their tattered garments into rivers and dress themselves in garments from the plantation of their former masters.

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated amongst people all over the world. We come together to cook, dance and, most importantly, honor the freedom of African Americans. Companies such as Apple, Nike and Google are doing their part as well to encourage the appreciation of African American culture. To our ancestors, their descendants, and the many supporters of this day, we thank you. Happy Juneteenth!