Juneteenth Freedom Day
Juneteenth Freedom Day
Over 200 cities in 49 states
And the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth
Either as a state or ceremonial holiday, or a day of
observation
And activists have succeede in pushing Congress
To recognize June 19th as a national holiday
On June 19th, 1865 General Robert Granger
Issued a proclamation notifying black slaves
That they were free in Texas
This “Juneteenth Jamboree” grew in stature
And in many states it has become mainstream
The Anacostia Museum of the Smithsonian Institution
Has an exhibition Juneteenth ’91, Freedom Revisited
Reading of the works of African American novelists
Like Ralph Ellison and Maya Angelou are popular
And singing of traditional songs like “Swing Low,
Sweet Chariot”
And “Lift Every Voice and Sing” are sung at ceremonial
gatherings
Celebrations on “Jubilee Day” include picnics, rodeos,
and cookouts
Families have reunions, park parties,
Attend blues festivals
And there’s a Miss Juneteenth contest
But all revelers never forget to have a Strawberry soda
–
The drink associated with these festivities
And for the more serious minded
There are lectures, exhibitions of African American
culture
Accompanied by a voter registration drive
But to top it all everyone should participate in a
barbecue cookout
The centerpiece of most Juneteenth celebrations
“Divine Providence, bless these Juneteenth festivities
on this notable day of remembrance when African Americans started enjoying the
fruits of their freedom.”
Comments
Post a Comment