Juneteenth Is a Real Holiday
By Jade Henry
FWIS Youth Writer
Juneteenth is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery. Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which “supposedly” freed the last slaves, the news spread slowly and didn’t reach the south until 2 years later, 1865.
The holiday was first celebrated in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865, where enslaved people were declared free following the conclusion of the Civil War.
In 1980, Texas was the first to make Juneteenth an official holiday. It wasn’t until June 19, 2021, that President Joe Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday for all 50 states. Juneteenth is known as “Jubilee Day”, “Freedom Day” or “Black Independence Day”.
Most people don't know that there is a flag for Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Flag is a symbol of the abolition of slavery in the United States with the burst and star in the center. The burst in the center of the flag represents new beginnings, and the star which is also in the center of the flag represents Texas. Ben Haith, an activist, and the creator of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation came up with the idea for the flag. Haith created the flag in 1997 when the flag first became official. The colors and symbols represent freedom and the end of slavery.
In addition to commemorating African Americans' release from slavery, Juneteenth is a time to recognize our accomplishments and promote ongoing personal growth. Let us create memories in our community, while we honor and celebrate Black history.
Listed below are activities to celebrate Juneteenth in Fort Wayne, Indiana:
June 17, 2023 = 10a - Keepers of the Light, Weisser Park
June 17, 2023 = 11:30a – The ALC Promenade, Oxford Street
June 17, 2023 = 1:30- 6p – Macknificent Freedom Fest, McMillen Park
• Visit Macknificentfreedomfest.com for more information
June 17, 2023 = Juneteenth Fort Wayne, Kettler Park
June 17, 2023 = 9a – 9p -Juneteenth, A Celebration of Freedom, Reggae Meets Culture, Pepper & Spice Jamaican Restaurant
June 13- 19, 2023 = Black Chamber of Commerce Juneteenth Business Symposium
• Visit myfwbcc.org for more information
Monday, June 19, 2023 – 8-11p - Juneteenth Open Mic