The Importance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth became an official federal holiday on June 17, 2021, falling on the 19th of June in all years since. The holiday marks the anniversary of federal troops arriving in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, taking control and ensuring all enslaved people were freed. The troops arrived two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, marking the end of slavery in the United States. In Texas, slavery had continued due to the lack of large-scale fighting or other consequences of the Civil War. However, that ended as General Gordon Granger and his troop’s arrival meant freedom for the 250,000 enslaved people in Texas. In 1866, Texas organized the first annual “Jubilee Day” celebration on June 19. On June 7, 1979, the Texas Legislature passed the first bill in the nation declaring Juneteenth a state holiday.
On June 16, 2021, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day with a vote of 415 to 14. This came the day after the Senate passed the legislation unanimously. Within the United States House, all 14 “nay” votes were Republicans, including Thomas Massle from Kentucky, Mo Brooks and Mike Rogers from Alabama, Scott DesJarlais from Tennessee, Andy Biggs from Arizona, Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin, Doug LaMalfa and Tom McClintock from California, Matt Rosendale from Montana, Ronny Jackson and Chip Toy from Texas, Ralph Norman from South Carolina, Andrew Clyde from Georgia, and Paul Gosar from Arizona.
Republican Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin had previously blocked the legislation in 2020. When asked why he opposed the bill, Representative Matt Rosendale stated the legislation was an effort to create a federal holiday for “identity politics.” He stated, “Since I believe in treating everyone equally, regardless of race, and that we should be focused on what unites us rather than our differences, I will vote no.” On the other side of the aisle, Representative Bonnie Coleman, a Democrat from New Jersey, stated that the legislation reminded her of “what we don’t have today, and that is full access to justice, freedom, and equality. All these are often in short supply as it relates to the Black community.” This could not be more true, as 2021 saw the highest level of hate crimes reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 12 years, with 56 percent of race-based hate crimes motivated by anti-Black bias.
On this day, we honor and celebrate the countless achievements made by Black Americans. From literature, music, and art to science, sports, and politics, Black individuals have made an indelible marks, shaping the very fabric of American culture. Their contributions range from the innovative work of scientists like George Washington Carver and Mae Jemison. The esteemed individuals include gifted authors such as Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, and James Baldwin who have written powerful works, to iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and leaders who have made history such as Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Shirley Chisholm, and John Lewis.
Juneteenth celebrations serve as a powerful reminder of the immense talents, creativity, and resilience that have enriched our nation through the remarkable achievements of Black Americans. Black individuals have fought for equality and justice, leaving an remarkable impact on society. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about systemic racism and police violence. It has led to critical conversations, pushed for meaningful policy changes, and inspired millions of people worldwide to stand against racial injustice.
We have seen the first African American Vice President in the United States. At an event celebrating Juneteenth, Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “We have come far, and we have far to go. But today is a day of celebration. It is not only a day of pride but also a day for us to reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to action.” This statement reminds us that while we have come a long way, we still have work to do in the fight.
If one thing has been made clear in the past three years, when it comes to legislation centered on equality or protecting non-white Americans, Democrats are striving to make real and effective changes. Rideshare2Vote is committed to electing Democrats and Progressives nationwide to make good on the promise that all Americans are equal. During the 2023 and 2024 elections, we will be on the ground for elections throughout the nation. Our goal is to increase voter turnout as the fight for equity requires success at the polls.
by Delany Doggett
