Next week, we celebrate Juneteenth National Independence Day. CSU will be closed in observance of the holiday on Wednesday, June 19.
The city of Cleveland will begin its celebrations this Saturday with the MetroHealth Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest. I encourage everyone to attend, as the day is filled with delightful performances of dance, music, storytelling and more. Also be sure to check out the many vendors on Soul Food Row!
As this is only the fourth observance of this date as a federal holiday in the United States, many of us may still be developing our understanding of Juneteenth’s historical context and cultural importance. The holiday offers us all a moment to reflect on the history, indelible impact and ongoing trauma of slavery in the United States. When the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, it put an end to the practice of slavery in this country, but it took more than two years for the last remaining groups of enslaved people to be freed. Juneteenth commemorates the day in which these individuals finally acquired their freedom.
On days like Juneteenth, which reflect cultural traditions and experiences different from my own, I find the wise words of scholars, community leaders and our great thinkers helpful in broadening my understanding. This year, the National Museum of African American History and Culture curated a Juneteenth reading list for anyone looking to learn more about the Emancipation of Black slaves, the subsequent Reconstruction Period, and their connections to today. The list even includes books for children to learn about subjects like race and the history of this holiday.
There are plenty of opportunities for you to participate in Cleveland’s Juneteenth festivities and learn more about this day’s significance. I encourage you to engage in some way and strengthen our collective sense of community, understanding and equity.
