The History of Juneteenth and Its Importance in Journalism
As we celebrate Emancipation Day and commemorate the end of slavery in the United States of America, I hope every journalist takes some time to mark Juneteenth. While it's now a national holiday, many still don't understand its roots and why it truly is a day for all Americans.
Before Juneteenth became widely recognized, many African Americans celebrated freedom by treasuring the remembrance of December 31, 1862, also known as Watch Night. That night, many enslaved and free African Americans gathered late to hear the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. While joyous, it's imminently important to remember that enslaved people in Texas had not yet heard that critical information.
But on June 19, 1865, a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas, to share the news that the Civil War had ended. General Gordon Granger spoke of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two and a half years earlier on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. Most of America's enslaved African Americans were freed in 1863, but the last of us gained that momentous right on June 19, 1865. We celebrate June 19 today because it's the day everyone in this country became free. Imagine the weighty tears of pure joy that were shed on that June night.
A combination of the words "June" and the number "19," Juneteenth is the hallelujah moment our ancestors dreamt of. The day they could breathe as a free human, not someone held in bondage to any man. Juneteenth means family gatherings and festivals. Juneteenth means joy and liberation. Juneteenth means equality. Juneteenth means hope.
It means pride in watching anchors, reporters, producers and Black and Brown journalists in all jobs hold those positions and excel masterfully in a country that once only tried to see them as property. Juneteenth means being heard by managers when you say a particular angle of a story needs to be covered and understood by newsroom leaders when you share that a certain detail should not be amplified in the anchor lede, toss and package as heavily, highlighting another's bias.
Journalism at its core is about informing and educating. Many of us would not be able to do this work without the work that led up to Juneteenth. Let's take the time to honor Ms. Opal, the grandmother of the holiday, and the spirit of those who paved the way for all of us to do what we love.
And as any good journalist must, I leave you with a few facts about the memorabilia connected to the momentous day.
Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, created the Juneteenth flag in 1997. It was revised in 2000 and 2007 to become the flag that is displayed around the country today. According to the foundation, each element symbolizes an important part of Black and American history:
- The outline around the star is inspired by a nova, a new star representing a new beginning for the newly freed slaves.
- The white star in the center of the flag represents Texas, the Lone Star State, and the freedom of all Black Americans in all 50 states.
- The arc represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promises that lay ahead for Black Americans.
- The red, white and blue represent the American flag, a reminder that the enslaved people and their descendants were and are Americans.
Kimberly is an Award-Winning Storyteller, Media Coach and Communications Professional with a demonstrated history of producing award-winning stories that connect with various audiences in Orlando, Miami, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C. and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. She's anchored weekday morning and evening newscasts, produced award-winning long-form series, memorable specials and investigative reports that have touched communities and rattled the unjust, and mentored young journalists in several markets nationwide. Kimberly was one of the first Talent Advisors for Talent Boulevard, and she relished the opportunity to encourage and connect with young journalists. She's currently a communications professional who helps leaders in the higher education space connect with desired audiences, from students, faculty and staff at their respective colleges and universities to board members and parents, Kimberly helps collegiate leaders by providing media training, drafting internal and external messaging, offering executive coaching, and the pitching and placing of stories and op-eds. Learn more at http://www.KimKeepsGoing.com