I remember my first Juneteenth. It's more than a Black holiday.

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5 hours ago

I remember my first Juneteenth. It's more than a Black holiday. | Opinion Juneteenth is a vital part of our nation's history that deserves recognition and celebration.
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What is Juneteenth? The holiday's history and significance, explained.
Here's why this once local celebration is significant to U.S. history.
Just at the moment Americans need it most, some cities have either scaled back or canceled their Juneteenth celebrations altogether, fearing that they might violate the Trump administration's ban on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Juneteenth is a powerful symbol of liberation, representing the breaking of oppressive chains that once confined countless lives. Instead of shying away from this critical commemoration, our nation should engage in deep and transformative conversations.
This is exactly what's happening in Milwaukee, which has one of the oldest and longest running events in the country drawing about 50,000 people annually. This year marks the 54th celebration in the city, and it promises to be one of the largest and most exciting as Summerfest will officially celebrate Juneteenth for the first time in its history.
What does Juneteenth mean? It's more than a Black holiday.
While June 19, 1865, marks the day when the last enslaved people in America learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, it is also significant because it highlights the richness of African American culture, history, cuisine and community.
Juneteenth is not just a Black holiday; it is a vital part of our nation's history that deserves recognition and celebration.
'The day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the best in our community – our young people, middle-aged, and our seniors. Juneteenth is for everyone, and we want everyone to come and join in on this celebration,' said Tony Kearney, executive director of Northcott Neighborhood House, the group that organizes Milwaukee's event.
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It's my favorite holiday because it reminds me of the remarkable efforts made by individuals to honor this day long before it became a federal holiday.
Milwaukeeans have been observing this day for over half a century, well before it received federal recognition in June 2021. Therefore, regardless of what the Trump administration does, the celebration of Juneteenth here will remain unchanged.
For the cities that canceled their celebrations, it's a missed opportunity because Juneteenth celebrates one of the most important moments in Black history.
I first celebrated Juneteenth with grandparents in Mississippi
The idea that Trump might target Juneteenth is speculation. He has not directly addressed the holiday, but some believe it contradicts his objective to dismantle DEI initiatives.
This concern is not unreasonable, as his administration has already taken steps to weaken the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Trump has also launched a campaign against educational institutions that he disparagingly labels as teaching 'woke' material, referring to content that discusses honestly the mistreatment of African Americans in the United States.
Additionally, he has mentioned that there are too many federal holidays, which has led to speculation about whether Juneteenth, the most recent federal holiday established, might be at risk.
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Long before it became a holiday, I first celebrated Juneteenth in Mississippi with my grandparents nearly five decades ago. It was then that I learned that Juneteenth, which is a blend of "June" and "nineteen," marks a day steeped in triumph of freedom.
My parents would send me to Gloster to help work on their cattle and pig farm. Although it was hard work, I learned a lot about my roots, Black history and race relations.
I will always remember how we celebrated Jubilee Day on June 19. My grandmother made a red velvet cake, and our neighbors contributed various red treats such as strawberries, watermelon, red soda and, one of my favorites, rhubarb pie.
My grandfather Orelious Pinkney led a toast under the shade of a tree in our front yard. We all raised our red sodas as he explained that the color red represented the blood shed in our quest for freedom.
I was very young, but that moment was unforgettable. It was also the only time I could indulge in so many sweets without being scolded.
Why wouldn't this country want to celebrate the end of slavery?
Some US cities have canceled or scaled back Juneteenth celebrations
Due to logistical challenges related to safety and the current political climate, several cities across the United States have canceled their Juneteenth celebrations this year, despite the event's historical significance.
In New Jersey, the Metuchen Edison Piscataway Area Branch of the NAACP announced its decision to relocate its Juneteenth celebration away from federal property due to concerns about potentially violating Trump's DEI stance.
In Indianapolis, Juneteenth organizers said they would cancel this year's parade after failing to secure a location for the event. However, James Webb, cofounder and executive director of Indy Juneteenth, told the Indy Star that the festival will still be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on June 21.
Organizers in Plano, Illinois, announced in January the cancellation of their Juneteenth celebration due to circumstances beyond their control. Officials in Bend, Oregon, cited safety concerns as the reason for canceling their event.
Organizing a celebration requires funding from various sources. Fortunately, Milwaukee has strong sponsorship support for this event from local professional sports teams, Bader Philanthropies and numerous vendor booths along King Drive. Additionally, more than 400 volunteers and committees work together to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
This year's celebration is expected to draw a record crowd because it coincides with the kickoff of Summerfest. Kearney hopes this partnership will attract new attendees to Summerfest who might not typically participate while encouraging Summerfest visitors to join the Juneteenth parade and festival on King Drive, thereby introducing them to the experience.
Along King Drive, there will be activities for everyone, with dedicated zones for various groups and interests:
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The Kids Zone at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School will feature horseback riding and a petting zoo.
A Veterans Zone near the Clinton Rose Senior Center will provide opportunities for veterans to connect and learn about various resources available to them.
The Teen Zone, located near the basketball courts by Clinton Rose, will host a basketball tournament and feature a DJ playing the latest hip-hop music.
A Senior Zone near the former Walgreens will offer activities specifically designed for seniors.
Finally, a new Pan-African Zone at the Clinton Rose Center will enable groups from different African diasporas to connect and share their experiences and cultural traditions.
After the celebration on King Drive, Summerfest will feature multiple stages and performances by artists such as Gary Clark Jr., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ginuwine, Joy Oladokun and The Isley Brothers.
Juneteenth reminder of struggles and achievements
Despite other cities scaling back or canceling their Juneteenth events, Rob Smith, a history professor and director of the Center for Urban Research at Marquette University, says Black people should continue to celebrate Juneteenth as a reminder of both the struggles they have faced and their achievements.
Smith highlights that, unlike the Fourth of July, which celebrates America's freedom and liberty, this freedom did not initially extend to Black people due to slavery.
Regardless of whether it is officially recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth will always be my favorite holiday. I will celebrate it by sharing my family's history and enjoying red pop while toasting my ancestors who paved the way for me.
James E. Causey is an Ideas Lab reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where this column originally appeared. Reach him at [e-mail] or follow him on X: @jecausey.