Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day”, is a holiday that celebrates freedom, just like the 4th of July. On June 19th 1865, Union troops informed slaves in Galveston, Texas, that they were free. This happened almost 3 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery, became a federal holiday in 2021.
African-American History is US History.
Viewing Black and African-American history from my perspective:
After the first Juneteenth, education was the first step a lot of the newly freed people took - but that wasn’t the case for everyone and their descendants. My grandmother never learned to read or write, and she wanted her children to have access to the education she was denied.
I always make the joke, “my family is so old” but in reality, these things weren’t that long ago. Just like the men who informed the slaves in Galveston, my great-great-grandfather served in the United States Colored Union Army. He and my great-great-grandmother were also slaves on a plantation in Johns Island, South Carolina.
Fun Facts: In 1899, my great-great-grandfather purchased the five acres where he and my great-great-grandmother had been enslaved for $50. Years later, in 2020, my family and I finally secured the rights to that land, which had become heirs' property.
Racial segregation in public schools didn’t become unconstitutional until 1954. Almost 10 years later, my mom was 1 of the 11 students who were the first to integrate schools in South Carolina. She was in elementary school. When I was in elementary school (the same elementary school my mom integrated), my biggest worry was what my favorite color was this week, not being escorted to class by the Secret Service.
Photograph: Lowcountry Digital Library
My Ancestors Fought, So I Could Be Where I am Today
The things my family fought for are the reasons why I’m able to be part of something as meaningful as DoneGood. Not only because their struggles and pain opened doors for me that they probably couldn’t even imagine for themselves, but because fighting for ethical and sustainable practices is in my DNA.
My ancestors fought for human rights. Their efforts broke down barriers, allowing me to access limitless learning opportunities. They endured threats, physical violence, and other forms of bullying from both classmates AND teachers to secure this privilege.
My ancestors fought for the environment. I don’t know everything my family went through to purchase this land in the 1800s, but it’s safe to assume it wasn’t easy. It’s their vision that inspires our family's plans to cultivate this land, nurturing our own food and fostering community bonds through shared meals and fellowship. This connection to the earth is a special part of our heritage, especially in the South.
My ancestors fought for me. Their sacrifices paved the way for my present reality. Because of their courage, I’m writing these words as a valued employee of a company whose mission I deeply believe in, and as part of a team that meaningfully acknowledges the significance of Juneteenth. At DoneGood, I get to champion brands that fight for what they believe in by putting their values first in their businesses.
So when I celebrate Juneteenth - I celebrate for those who didn’t know they were free, for those who didn’t get to reap the fruits of their labor, for those who are still learning to love themselves and their culture, and for my family who took risks and made sacrifices not just for me, for our country.
To learn more about Juneteenth, check out the resources below:
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