Happy Juneteenth everybody! Happy (almost) first day of summer! Today is a wonderful way to honor the day that our nation took another step toward real “liberty and justice for all.”
Juneteenth is a national holiday celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. This proclamation declared the end of slavery, however Implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed for areas under Confederate control, until 1865. On June 19, Union troops came into Galveston Bay, Texas, officially announcing the full implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation, thus leading to the celebration known as “Juneteenth,” the official declaration of freedom for African American people throughout the United States.
When I was in middle school, I remember pondering the enigma of the 4th of July, which was in fact a nation celebrating ‘freedom’ while still keeping the horrific practice of enslaving people. In my childlike innocence, I wondered why there wasn’t a holiday celebrating the day when African Americans were free. I confess, I didn’t know that there was one, until we moved to Western New York over 30 years ago. Until then, I had never heard of Juneteenth.
I’m thrilled that Buffalo has celebrated this holiday for 50 years. In the words of Carrone Evon Crump president, Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo:
“We extend these greetings to all people of goodwill—those who uplift dignity, affirm life, and recognize the sacred intelligence and soulful beauty of African and African-American people worldwide. “As we embrace the theme of Juneteenth 2026 – Honoring the Past, Serving the Present, and Inspiring the Future, we express, grow, and flourish — stepping into the fullness of ourselves and our community through this year’s celebration. We are Juneteenth Strong! Born from the Emancipation Proclamation of 1865, Juneteenth marks the abolition of slavery and the triumph over oppression. It is a testament to liberation, cultural heritage, and the enduring resilience of African Americans. Through this celebration, we reaffirm our uniqueness, honor the journey of our ancestors, and embrace a future filled with promise.”
Buffalo and Niagara Falls Juneteenth celebrations occurred last weekend, traditionally celebrating during the “teen” weekend of the month, however, tomorrow, June 20, Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope is hosting a community wide free Juneteenth Celebration at Island Park, 5577 Main St., Williamsville, from noon to 5 p.m., I invite you to explore their website for a full schedule of the day’s performances, speakers and events: www.thebuffalocriterion.com. Everyone is invited to “ enjoy family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn about African American history, culture, and heritage. ALL are welcome and encouraged to attend this free admissions event, which aims to foster unity, resiliency, reflection, and celebration… join in, “ honor history, celebrate culture, and build a stronger, more inclusive community”.
Holiday celebrations remind us that our Declaration of Independence is now, and always should have been for all Americans:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed …”
I invite you to explore the websites listed above and learn more about Juneteenth, America’s ‘newest’ federal holiday. We all love this country, and Juneteenth is a reminder that we can all celebrate its 250th birthday next month with joy.