The Essence of Juneteenth
For over 150 years, Juneteenth has been more than just a date on a calendar. This sacred day in Black communities commemorates a profound moment in American history: the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned about their emancipation, a full two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
With its official recognition as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has transcended the bounds of Black America, gaining widespread recognition throughout the country. It's a day marked on our calendars as a reminder of unity, freedom, and the spirit of resilience.
How you celebrate Juneteenth is a personal choice. I can be a day of celebrations filled with cookouts, barbecues, and family reunions - a throwback to the jubilant gatherings of newly freed individuals. People like comedian Alan Freeman, who grew up soaking in the joy and unity of Juneteenth festivities, personify this spirit.
Others may choose a quieter observation, spending the day in reflection or attending an educational event. Dr. David Anderson, CEO of Gracism Global, highlights the importance of individual choice in how we celebrate or commemorate this significant day.
Inclusivity is at the heart of Juneteenth. Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor, encourages everyone, irrespective of their race, to recognize and participate in Juneteenth. After all, it's an integral part of our shared history. Knowledge is the key to authentic celebration and recognition. Learning about Juneteenth, its history, and its impact, allows us to honor this day sincerely.
Juneteenth goes by many names - Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July, and Second Independence Day - but each embodies the struggle and the eventual triumph towards freedom and equality.
When it comes to Juneteenth greetings, "Happy Juneteenth" or "Happy Teenth" are commonplace. As Freeman suggests, irrespective of your race, offering a warm Juneteenth greeting encapsulates respect for shared history and unity.
At TallyHo Industries, we stand firm in our commitment to acknowledging and honoring the rich tapestry of history that has shaped our nation. In line with this, we proudly support the commemoration of Juneteenth - a crucial landmark in our collective journey towards equality and freedom. We deeply understand the significance of this day and believe in providing our employees the space and time to engage, reflect, and celebrate. As such, we are delighted to announce that we'll be observing not just Monday but also Tuesday as official days off. This extended break is our small way of facilitating thoughtful celebration and deep reflection on the profound implications of Juneteenth. We encourage everyone in the TallyHo family to use this time to learn more, connect deeper, and join in the nationwide commemoration of this historic event.
ShadowByte, signing off!
Article inspired by the work of Terry Tang @ttangAP from The Associated Press. You can read the original article here
