Latest news with #AfricanAmericans
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
From the Files of Harvard, Heres How Real Slaves Looked 175 Years Ago
A picture is worth 1,000 words, and in the case of two enslaved African Americans, their portraits set off a historic chain of events and ended a 15-year battle over ownership. Renty and Delia were photographed in 1850, making their pictures the oldest believed of any enslaved American in history. Now, their stories are being told the right way. Harvard University finally settled a 15-year legal battle with Tamara Lanier, an educator who claimed the university was illegally in possession of delicate photos of her enslaved ancestors, according to BBC. Lanier is said to be the great-great-great granddaughter of 'Papa' Renty, so when she found out Harvard held the only photo of her ancestor, she had to take action. The two daguerreotypes– unique, early photos produced on a silver-coated copper plate– were taken in South Carolina, where Renty and his daughter Delia worked as slaves. But although the photos traveled a long way from South Carolina to Harvard University, it's Renty and Delia's faces that tell a more horrific account. Renty– an older man with a short, grey afro and facial hair– stands tall in his portrait. He's shirtless, emphasizing his bony yet chiseled torso, likely from malnutrition and harsh labor conditions he endured. His face? Stoic, without emotions. But his eyes almost look glossy, like he's in pain and seen way too much in his short lifetime. Delia has her father's eyes. She's also shirtless, showing off her pronounced collarbone and broad shoulders. Despite her young age, Delia looks mature as she poses in a chair for the photo. The images were captured by a Harvard professor for a racist study, according to The Hill. In her complaint against Harvard, Lanier claimed her ancestors did not give their consent to the photoshoot, meaning Harvard's ownership of the photos was illegal. The portraits were rediscovered at the university in 1975, according to BBC. Lanier wanted Harvard to relinquish ownership of the photos. Now, she finally got her wish. 'I think it's one of one in American history, because of the combination of unlikely features: to have a case that dates back 175 years, to win control over images dating back that long of enslaved people — that's never happened before,' attorney Joshua Koskoff told AP News. The public can finally view Renty and Delia's portraits. They will be transferred to the International African American Museum in South Carolina, the state where Renty and Delia called home. 'This is a moment in history where the sons and daughters of stolen ancestors can stand with pride and rightfully proclaim a victory for reparations,' Lanier told AP News. 'This pilfered property, images taken without dignity or consent and used to promote a racist pseudoscience will now be repatriated to a home where their stories can be told and their humanity can be restored.'
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
US to observe federal holiday on June 19. Are stock markets closed that day?
The US Federal Reserve (US Fed) considers Juneteenth a bank holiday. A holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US has been celebrated every 19 June since President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021. This will be the fourth year that Juneteenth is celebrated widely as a federal holiday, but the holiday itself has been celebrated for more than a century-and-a-half. ALSO READ: Morgan Stanley, Walmart, Pfizer and more: Full list of over 150 American companies laying off employees in June Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. When is Juneteenth 2025? The Juneteenth holiday is celebrated this year on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing enslaved African Americans in the Confederate states, the order couldn't be enforced in areas still under Confederate control. According to Britannica, it wasn't until the Civil War ended in April 1865 that Union troops could carry out the proclamation. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the war had ended—and that all enslaved people were now free. The first Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year and gradually spread across the country. Today, the holiday is observed with prayer services, public speeches, educational activities, family gatherings, and festivals featuring music, dancing, food, and cultural traditions. Live Events ALSO READ: Elon Musk's uneasy encounter: He dodged a question on Trump policies. Here's what the Tesla CEO was asked When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday? Though it has long been celebrated in Black communities, Juneteenth became a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed a bill on June 17, 2021. The holiday's history gained more attention during the summer of 2020, after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Will US stock market remain open on Juneteenth? US stock exchanges observe a set of predetermined holidays during which they remain closed. These closures typically align with federal holidays, affecting major exchanges such as the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). If a holiday falls on a weekend, the markets may close on the preceding Friday or the following Monday. Juneteenth, observed on June 19, is a federal holiday in the United States. In recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day, both the NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed on June 19, as indicated on their official calendars.
Economic Times
11 hours ago
- General
- Economic Times
Juneteenth 2025: Date, holiday status, history, meaning, and why it's celebrated
When is Juneteenth? What's the history behind Juneteenth? Live Events What's the holiday status of Juneteenth? How is Juneteenth celebrated? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In the United States, one of the longest-running celebrations among African Americans, Juneteenth marks the abolition of will be Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, evolved into a festival of accomplishment, freedom, and bringing families and communities together through food and entertainment, religious and spiritual rituals, cultural storytelling, and pilgrimages to Galveston, Texas. These days, Juneteenth becomes a celebration of African American heritage and Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, during the American Civil War, declaring that over three million slaves in the Confederate states were now free. However, it would take more than two years for African Americans in Texas to learn of the news. Federal forces liberated all slaves and took control of Texas in 1865 when they arrived in in Texas had largely been unaffected by the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in Virginia two months prior, until U.S. General Gordon Granger stood on Texas territory and read General Order No. 3: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."Slavery had persisted in Texas because there had been neither widespread combat nor a sizable presence of Union forces there. Since they saw it as a safe haven for slavery, many enslavers from outside the Lone Star State had relocated states began to secede from the Union (or the United States of America) shortly after Abraham Lincoln was elected defiance of Lincoln's strategy to limit slavery and states' rights, the Confederate States established the Confederate Army. Following the Confederate Army's assault on Fort Sumter, the Union organized an army of soldiers from twenty states. Beginning in 1861, the American Civil War lasted until 1865, when the Union Army emerged rights of African Americans who were enslaved in the Confederate States were federally recognized when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Slave owners were not compensated for their lost property, slavery was not prohibited, and former slaves were not given citizenship. Both the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War sought to end slavery and preserve the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln signed during the Civil War, would officially legalize the rights of African Americans who were slaves in the Confederate those only; those that were not in war with the Union were not has been a federal holiday since 2021. It will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19, Texas declared Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980, several other states did the same. Because of activist Opal Lee's efforts to increase awareness, Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in year on June 19, Juneteenth is a celebration honoring the abolition of slavery in the United of Galveston, Texas, did not hear that slavery had been outlawed until Union troops landed there on June 19, 1865. Right away, the former slaves started to rejoice with music, dance, feasting, and prayer. The first official Juneteenth festivities were held in Texas on June 19 of the following order to symbolize their newfound independence, celebrants wore new clothing during the initial observances, which also included prayer meetings and spiritual singing. Within a few years, the day became an annual event as African Americans in other states began to celebrate it as and religious services, speeches, educational activities, family get-togethers and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dance are all common components of celebrations that have persisted throughout the United States into the twenty-first in several nations use the day to commemorate the abolition of slavery and to appreciate the accomplishments and culture of African Americans. It is also observed outside of the United commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States, specifically June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans were finally Since 2021, Juneteenth has been a federal holiday. In 2025, it will be observed on Thursday, June 19.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Juneteenth 2025: Date, holiday status, history, meaning, and why it's celebrated
In the United States, one of the longest-running celebrations among African Americans, Juneteenth marks the abolition of slavery. When is Juneteenth? It will be Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Juneteenth evolved into a festival of accomplishment, freedom, and bringing families and communities together through food and entertainment, religious and spiritual rituals, cultural storytelling, and pilgrimages to Galveston, Texas. These days, Juneteenth becomes a celebration of African American heritage and experiences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want to Start Trading? Read This First AvaTrade Read Now What's the holiday status of Juneteenth? Juneteenth has been a federal holiday since 2021. After Texas declared Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980, several other states did the same. Because of activist Opal Lee's efforts to increase awareness, Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021. What's the history behind Juneteenth? President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, during the American Civil War, declaring that over three million slaves in the Confederate states were now free. However, it would take more than two years for African Americans in Texas to learn of the news. Federal forces liberated all slaves and took control of Texas in 1865 when they arrived in Galveston. Live Events Slavery in Texas had largely been unaffected by the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in Virginia two months prior, until U.S. General Gordon Granger stood on Texas territory and read General Order No. 3: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." Slavery had persisted in Texas because there had been neither widespread combat nor a sizable presence of Union forces there. Since they saw it as a safe haven for slavery, many enslavers from outside the Lone Star State had relocated there. Southern states began to secede from the Union (or the United States of America) shortly after Abraham Lincoln was elected president. In defiance of Lincoln's strategy to limit slavery and states' rights, the Confederate States established the Confederate Army. Following the Confederate Army's assault on Fort Sumter, the Union organized an army of soldiers from twenty states. Beginning in 1861, the American Civil War lasted until 1865, when the Union Army emerged victorious. The rights of African Americans who were enslaved in the Confederate States were federally recognized when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Slave owners were not compensated for their lost property, slavery was not prohibited, and former slaves were not given citizenship. Both the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War sought to end slavery and preserve the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln signed during the Civil War, would officially legalize the rights of African Americans who were slaves in the Confederate those only; those that were not in war with the Union were not included. How is Juneteenth celebrated? Every year on June 19, Juneteenth is a celebration honoring the abolition of slavery in the United States. Residents of Galveston, Texas, did not hear that slavery had been outlawed until Union troops landed there on June 19, 1865. Right away, the former slaves started to rejoice with music, dance, feasting, and prayer. The first official Juneteenth festivities were held in Texas on June 19 of the following year. In order to symbolize their newfound independence, celebrants wore new clothing during the initial observances, which also included prayer meetings and spiritual singing. Within a few years, the day became an annual event as African Americans in other states began to celebrate it as well. Prayer and religious services, speeches, educational activities, family get-togethers and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dance are all common components of celebrations that have persisted throughout the United States into the twenty-first century. Organizations in several nations use the day to commemorate the abolition of slavery and to appreciate the accomplishments and culture of African Americans. It is also observed outside of the United States. FAQs What is Juneteenth and why do we celebrate it? It commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States, specifically June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans were finally freed. Is Juneteenth a national holiday in 2025? Yes. Since 2021, Juneteenth has been a federal holiday. In 2025, it will be observed on Thursday, June 19.
The Guardian
16 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Poem of the week: Two sonnets by Claude McKay
America Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth, Stealing my breath of life, I will confess I love this cultured hell that tests my youth. Her vigor flows like tides into my blood, Giving me strength erect against her hate, Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood. Yet, as a rebel fronts a king in state, I stand within her walls with not a shred Of terror, malice, nor a word of jeer. Darkly I gaze into the days ahead, And see her might and granite wonders there, Beneath the touch of Time's unerring hand, Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand. America said … America said: Now, we've left Europe's soil With its deep national jealousies and hates, Its religious prejudices and turmoil. To build a better home within our gates. English and German, French, Italian, And Jew and Catholic and Protestant, Yes, every European, every man Is equal in this new abode, God grant. And Africans were here as chattel slaves, But never considered human flesh and blood, Until their presence stirred the whites in waves To sweep beyond them, onward like a flood, To seek a greater freedom for their kind, Leaving the blacks still half-slaves, dumb and blind. Written more than 20 years apart, these two sonnets by the Jamaica-born, Harlem Renaissance poet, novelist and political activist Claude McKay (1890-1948), take differently angled critical positions to their common subject, and emphasise a different poetics. In America (first published in the Liberator magazine in 1921) conflicted emotions take metaphorical shape: the sonnet has stylish literary manners. America said … (number 34 in a sequence, The Cycle, written around 1943 but only published posthumously) bears the strong trace of the poet's earlier political thinking, although written after his conversion to Catholicism and scathing rejection of Marxist ideology. The pared style is almost journalistic compared with America. The cruel betrayal of being fed the 'bread of bitterness' by a maternal, female America, and subjected to the throat-wound of her 'tiger's tooth' forms the faintly biblical-sounding starting point for the earlier poem. Its development expands the verbal complexity. Still early on, the speaker 'confesses' dramatically, 'I love this cultured hell that tests my youth'. The brilliant oxymoron 'cultured hell' inscribes the poet's love-hate for America, and may suggest a nation's 'cultivated' hatred for his people. But the young poet's invigoration becomes a moral testing that leads to calm self-possession 'as a rebel fronts a king in state': true civilisation is the ability to 'stand within her walls with not a shred / Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer'. This line suggests the power of passive resistance, or resistance channelled into the creative accommodation of opposition via language. McKay's smooth deployment of the Shakespearean sonnet form and metre also makes room for its Romantic ancestry. Shelley's sonnet Ozymandias seems to haunt the gratifying vision of the decay of 'bigness', the physical collapse of an emblem of tyranny into 'sand', as the speaker looks at the future fall of America's 'granite wonders'. 'Time's unerring hand' prevails, in this sonnet, over the communist vision of the revolutionary dismantling of capitalism. 'Nonviolent passive resistance is effective as long as your opposition adheres to the same rules as you do,' Nelson Mandela wrote. 'But if peaceful protest is met with violence, its efficacy is at an end. For me, nonviolence was not a moral principle but a strategy; there is no moral goodness in using an ineffective weapon.' America said … marks the despair of the weaponless, splicing octave from sestet, and separating theoretical New World idealism from brutal reality. The country, now, is ungendered, barely personified: although America 'speaks' it is with a voice whose time is past, whose prayed-for vision of equality stays unrealised. Europeans become one exploitative 'ruling class' in the sestet, inculpated by the shock of its opening line: 'And Africans were here as chattel slaves …' It's the Black presence that impels the 'flood' of white power-seekers forward. The 'greater freedom for their kind' is white freedom from the Black population, a freedom never to be shared.\\ Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion Although the metre is loose at times, a five-stress (pentameter) line is sustained by the sonnet's inherent vocalisation. For example, the third line, theoretically tricky to scan, is perfectly sayable with a rocking, oratorical movement around the five emphases. More variation is possible in scanning the last line. If 'half' is stressed ('leaving the blacks still half-slaves, dumb and blind') it's as though the devalued humanity of a 'slave' had been halved again. If slaves is also stressed, the line delivers a heavily drawn-out and almost weapon-raising conclusion. America said … gains from being read alongside its neighbours. The whole 54-poem sequence isn't readily accessible online; however, an 18-poem extract that includes the introductory 'proem' is illuminating. McKay insists boldly on his new genre: a sonnet-guided personal-political autobiography. Form heightens the political passion of The Cycle sonnets, but the feeling 'I' resonates above the literary voice and the meta-poetic, potentially revolutionary genre, the public speech, is ever-present. Rhetorical pacing and cadence inform America, too, despite the more literary lexicon. Alongside the deeply absorbed influences of Petrarch, Shakespeare and Shelley, great orators such as Marcus Garvey make echoes in the deceptively small-looking, but rich and expansive sound-chamber of the McKay sonnet.
