Juneteenth History e-magazine Issue 08 An Ovi Publication 2025 Ovi Publications - All material is copyright of the Ovi & Ovi Thematic/History Magazines Publications C Ovi Thematic/History Magazines are available in Ovi/Ovi ThematicMagazines and OviPedia pages in all forms PDF/ePub/mobi, and they are always FREE. If somebody tries to sell you an Ovi Thematic or Ovi History Magazine please contact us immediately. For details, contact: ovimagazine@yahoo.com No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior permission of the writer or the above publisher of this magazine J uneteenth is not just a celebration. It is a reckoning. A reminder. A challenge. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and finally enforced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That delay, that denial of freedom, reveals something critical about the American story: justice in this country often comes late, if at all, and only through struggle. Today, Juneteenth stands as a powerful symbol of freedom delayed, and yet also of freedom insisted upon. It is a day of jubilation rooted in Black resistance, endurance, and self-determination. It is a living memory of emancipation, and an unflinching reminder of how often this nation has betrayed its own ideals. But how do we commemorate Juneteenth in an era where those betrayals echo loudly once more? How do we celebrate Black liberation while a new generation fights old battles under new names, voter suppression, mass incarceration, economic inequality, and the casual normalization of racist rhetoric at the highest levels of power? This issue of Ovi History and its dedication to Juneteenth is coming undoubtedly in dangerous times. editorial We live in a country where a president openly courted white nationalist support, embraced Confederate symbols, and weaponized fear and resentment against communities of colour. These are not footnotes in his political identity, they are central pillars. From calling violent racists “very fine people” to pushing policies that disproportionately harm Black Americans, the legacy of that leadership did not just reflect racism; it emboldened it. It made space for it in school boards, in courtrooms, in state legislatures, and on our streets. Juneteenth now exists as a federal holiday, recognized by the same nation that still struggles to fully reckon with the consequences of its original sin. That recognition is important but insufficient. We must ask: what does it mean to honour Juneteenth in a country where the teaching of Black history is under attack? Where systemic racism is denied, even as it thrives? Where equality is preached but rarely practiced? This book seeks to explore Juneteenth not as a moment frozen in time, but as a living, breathing symbol of the long road to freedom. It seeks to link the past to the present, and to wrestle with what true emancipation looks like today. Through history, personal reflection, political critique, and cultural analysis, we will trace how Juneteenth informs the broader American journey, one still fraught with contradiction and unfinished promises. We didn’t come with this special on Juneteenth out of despair. We decided the theme because there is hope and work still ahead. Juneteenth is a declaration that America can change. It is proof that Black Americans have never waited passively for liberation; they have claimed it, again and again, against staggering odds. That truth matters more than ever in a time when democracy itself feels fragile, and the lines between freedom and oppression are being redrawn in real time. Juneteenth asks us to remember. It demands that we reckon. And it invites us to imagine. Because the fight for freedom did not end in 1865. It did not end with a president’s proclamation. It has not ended today. The struggle continues, and so does the dream of a nation finally living up to its highest ideals, not just for some, but for all. With the sincere hope that you will enjoy the articles, do read this historic chronicle Thanos Kalamidas StorieS and narrativeS from time paSt https://ovipeadia.wordpress.com/ https://realovi.wordpress.com/ The Ovi history eMagazine Juneteenth June 2025 Editor: T. Kalamidas Contact ovimagazine@ yahoo.com Issue 8 Juneteenth is a historic day for celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the US. On 19 June 1865, it was announced that the civil war had ended and that all slaves were free. Abolishing slavery was a huge step for the country, and the day is now used to cel- ebrate the culture and achievements of African Americans. contents Ovi Thematic/History eMagazines Publications 2025 Editorial 3 Juneteenth The long road to freedom and recognition 9 19 June 1865 - Juneteenth 13 The impact of federal recognition on national memory and action 15 Keepers of the flame: The unsung heroes behind Juneteenth’s long road to national recognition 21 A legacy of freedom and the ongoing struggle for racial justice 27 A celebration of freedom, culture and continuity ` 33 Juneteenth in Blues and Jazz 39 Teaching freedom and Juneteenth 45 From emancipation to economic empowerment 53 Global abolition commemorations 59 Juneteenth in the shadow of a ...Don 65 Bitter freedom by Shanna Shepard 71 Brass and freedom, a Juneteenth Narrative by Will Gailliard 75 CREED & Weapons of an EARTH SPIRIT (Peaceful) WARRIOR: a Lyric Essay by David Sparenberg 81 June in history 84 The long road to freedom and recognition J uneteenth, observed annually on June 19th, is one of the most significant commemorations of emancipation in the United States. Though it took over a century and a half for Juneteenth to be- come a federal holiday, its roots trace directly to one of the most pivotal moments in American history: the abolition of slavery. The story of Juneteenth is not just about the end of slavery, but also about delayed jus- tice, the persistence of African American communi- ties, and the evolving national understanding of free- dom and equality. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln is- sued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be freed. While this was a monumental step in the fight against slavery, its immediate impact was lim- ited. The Proclamation depended heavily on Union military enforcement, and in many areas still under Confederate control, the institution of slavery persist- ed as though nothing had changed. Among those places was Texas, which had become a haven for slaveholders seeking to escape the reach of Union forces. Because of its geographic isolation and minimal Union troop presence, Texas remained largely un- touched by the war’s final battles and was late to receive official word of the Confederacy’s col- lapse and slavery’s abolition. It was not until June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, that Union Major General Gor- don Granger arrived in Galves- ton, Texas, to enforce the free- dom of the enslaved population. He issued General Order No. 3, which declared: “The people of Texas are in- formed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of person- al rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.” This moment marked the de facto end of slavery in the United States, especially in regions that had resisted federal authority. Though the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slav- ery across the country, would not be ratified until December 1865, Juneteenth became the symbolic date of emancipation for African Americans in Tex- as—and eventually, across the country. The first Juneteenth celebra- tions began in Texas in 1866. These early observances featured prayer services, barbecues, mu- sic, and readings of the Eman- cipation Proclamation. They were community-based events, held in churchyards, open fields, and homes. As African Ameri- cans migrated to other parts of the United States, particular- ly during the Great Migration, they brought Juneteenth tradi- tions with them, spreading the celebration beyond Texas. Despite its significance, June- teenth often lacked formal rec- ognition. It was celebrated lo- cally and regionally, but without the institutional support or na- tional acknowledgment given to other historical commemora- tions like Independence Day or Memorial Day. Juneteenth gained renewed attention during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Activists began to see it as a symbol of the long, unfinished struggle for African American equality. In 1968, the Poor Peo- ple’s Campaign, organized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, held a Solidarity Day March on June- teenth in Washington, D.C., further linking the holiday to broader social justice efforts. During the 1970s and 1980s, Juneteenth became an increas- ingly important day of cultural pride, especially in Black com- munities in the South and ur- ban centers. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta hosted large celebrations, featuring music, parades, educational events, and speeches that connected past struggles to present-day chal- lenges. In 1980, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday. Over the ensuing decades, other states followed, though recogni- tion varied and was often sym- bolic rather than practical. It would take over 150 years for Juneteenth to be recognized as a federal holiday. A major turning point came in the after- math of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, which followed the murder of George Floyd. These protests brought renewed attention to systemic racism and calls for meaningful national re- flection on the country’s racial history. Juneteenth became a rallying point. Activists, lawmakers, and ordinary citizens called for its recognition, not only as a com- memoration of emancipation but as a way to address the long shadow of slavery and segrega- tion. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making June 19th a federal holiday. At the signing ceremony, President Biden said: “Juneteenth marks both a long hard night of slavery and a promise of a brighter morning to come... This day doesn’t just celebrate the past. It calls for ac- tion today.” Juneteenth represents more than the delayed enforcement of a presidential order. It encapsulates the slow, painful path from le- gal freedom to actual freedom, a journey that continues to this day. The delayed emancipation in Texas is a powerful metaphor for the broader Black American experience: long promises, long delays, and long struggles for justice. Juneteenth is not simply a Black holiday; it is an American holi- day, rooted in the country’s foundational contradictions and ideals. It is a reminder that freedom was not granted equally or instantly, and that the fight for civil rights is part of an ongoing national story. As Juneteenth celebrations grow in prominence and participation across the country, there is a growing movement to ensure the hol- iday is more than a day off or symbolic gesture. Advocates call for education about slavery, Black history, and systemic racism to be central to observances. Others emphasize using the day for commu- nity service, economic empowerment, and healing dialogues about race and justice in America. In this way, Juneteenth offers both a commemoration and a chal- lenge: to reflect not only on what was but on what still must be done to fulfill the promises of freedom and equality enshrined in the na- tion’s founding documents. From the dusty streets of Galveston in 1865 to the steps of the White House in 2021, Juneteenth traces the arc of American his- tory, a history marked by profound injustice but also by resilience, hope, and change. As the United States continues to grapple with its past and present, Juneteenth stands as a beacon of remembrance and renewal, a day to honor those who suffered and struggled and to recommit to building a more just and equitable society. 19 June 1865 Juneteenth Juneteenth is a historic day for celebrating the eman- cipation of slaves in the US. On 19 June 1865, it was an- nounced that the civil war had ended and that all slaves were free. Abolishing slavery was a huge step for the country, and the day is now used to celebrate the culture and achievements of African Americans. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The formerly enslaved immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. The following year, on June 19, the first official June- teenth celebrations took place in Texas. The original observances included prayer meetings and the sing- ing of spirituals, and celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Within a few years, African Americans in other states were cele- brating the day as well, making it an annual tradition. Celebrations have continued across the United States into the 21st century and typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing. The impact of federal recognition on national memory and action W hen President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, it marked a significant moment in American history. For the first time in over three decades, the United States added a new federal holiday, commemorating June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Gal- veston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The elevation of Juneteenth to federal status reflects more than a legislative act; it represents a shifting na- tional consciousness around racial justice, historical memory, and the long shadow of slavery in American life. However, the designation raises critical questions: Has this move resulted in meaningful awareness? What have companies, institutions, and communi- ties done differently in response? And perhaps most crucially, are Americans ready to fully embrace the meaning of Juneteenth? To understand its present-day impact, it’s vital to revisit Juneteenth’s origins. On June 19, 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation; Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that “all slaves are free.” This day became sym- bolic of delayed justice, but also of resilience and community celebration. For generations, African Americans, especially in Texas and across the South, commem- orated Juneteenth with parades, barbecues, music, and reflec- tion. It was a grassroots holiday, observed without widespread institutional support but rich in cultural significance. Despite its importance, it remained large- ly marginalized in the broader national narrative until the late 20th century. The campaign to make June- teenth a federal holiday spanned decades. Activists like Opal Lee, often referred to as the “Grand- mother of Juneteenth,” champi- oned this cause with relentless energy. The 2020 racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd brought renewed urgency to the effort, prompting a bipartisan push in Congress. The federal recognition of Juneteenth was seen as a long-overdue acknowledg- ment of the Black experience in America. It validated the histor- ical trauma of slavery and un- derscored the enduring legacy of systemic racism. However, many scholars and activists cau- tioned that symbolism must not be mistaken for substance. In the years following the designation, there has been a noticeable increase in public awareness of Juneteenth. Educa- tional institutions have integrat- ed its history into curricula, and museums have curated exhibi- tions focusing on emancipation and Reconstruction. Media coverage has expand- ed, with major outlets dedicat- ing time and space to explain Juneteenth’s significance. Social media campaigns and influ- encers have helped amplify its meaning to younger audienc- es. Surveys indicate that more Americans than ever now rec- ognize the term “Juneteenth” and associate it with Black liber- ation and American history. Despite these gains, the depth of understanding varies widely. While some Americans have used the holiday to engage with questions of racial justice and national memory, others treat it as just another day off. In some regions, particularly where ra- cial histories are contested or under-taught, Juneteenth re- mains poorly understood or even viewed with suspicion. Many corporations quickly adapted to the holiday. From closing offices to issuing state- ments on racial equity, compa- nies signaled alignment with Juneteenth’s values. Some host- ed internal education sessions or made donations to social jus- tice organizations. Universities and public institutions followed suit, incorporating Juneteenth into their holiday calendars and community programming. Yet these actions have pro- voked skepticism. Critics argue that corporate acknowledgment often amounts to “performa- tive allyship” a symbolic gesture with little follow-through. For example, employees may receive the day off without any accom- panying education on the hol- iday’s significance. Marketing campaigns invoking Juneteenth have, in some cases, veered into commercial exploitation rather than sincere reflection. Some companies have taken more substantive steps, such as reviewing hiring and promotion practices, increasing support for Black-owned businesses, and investing in long-term com- munity partnerships. However, these are the exceptions, not the norm. At the community level, June- teenth’s federal status has cata- lyzed local energy and creativ- ity. Cities across the U.S. have launched parades, cultural festi- vals, history tours, and art exhi- bitions. Churches, community centers, and Black-led organiza- tions have seized the opportuni- ty to elevate local histories and traditions. In many places, Juneteenth has become an intergeneration- al celebration, a day for elders to tell their stories and youth to reclaim their history. In some cities, it serves as a moment of protest as well as celebration, fo- cusing attention on issues such as police violence, economic in- equality, and voter suppression. Grassroots organizers have emphasized that Juneteenth is not just about freedom in the past but about justice in the present. Their work has broad- ened the holiday’s meaning, linking it to contemporary movements for Black lives and systemic reform. Despite its growing visibili- ty, Juneteenth faces significant challenges in becoming a truly national holiday in spirit as well as name. Educational Gaps: U.S. edu- cation standards remain highly localized, and in many states, the history of slavery, Recon- struction, and African Amer- ican resilience is still under- represented. Without formal education, public understand- ing of Juneteenth risks becom- ing superficial. Political Resistance: In the wake of cultural polarization, efforts to teach comprehensive racial history, including June- teenth, have become entangled in broader battles over so-called “critical race theory.” Some states have restricted the teach- ing of race-related topics, po- tentially curbing awareness of the holiday’s true meaning. Commercialization: Like Martin Luther King Jr. Day be- fore it, Juneteenth now faces the risk of commercialization, stripped of radical content and sold as a feel-good celebration. Branded merchandise and cor- porate parties often overshadow the deeper historical and ethical reckoning the holiday demands. Tokenism: Some African American communities worry that Juneteenth is being used as a stand-in for more urgent reforms. A paid holiday, they argue, is no substitute for re- parative policies, economic in- vestment, or criminal justice reform. If Juneteenth is to realize its potential as a unifying, reflec- tive, and mobilizing force, the nation must engage with it more deeply. Education is key: Federal support for inclusive history curricula and teacher training can ensure future generations understand what Juneteenth represents. Dialogue and Truth-Telling: Public forums, oral histories, and reconciliation projects can create space for communities to confront their local histories of racial injustice. Policy Alignment: Real rec- ognition must be matched with structural change. Housing pol- icy, healthcare access, incarcer- ation rates, and economic op- portunity must be part of the ongoing conversation. Civic Ritual: Over time, June- teenth could evolve into a civ- ic ritual akin to Independence Day—less about fireworks, more about public memory, moral re- flection, and collective growth. Juneteenth’s recognition as a federal holiday is a milestone in the American story. It brings to light a chapter too often hidden and offers a chance for collec- tive reckoning and celebration. Yet the work of truly integrat- ing Juneteenth into the national conscience has only just begun. It remains a holiday “in prog- ress” a living opportunity for Americans to decide whether they will merely mark a date on the calendar or take up the chal- lenge of remembering, honor- ing, and transforming. The an- swer to that question will shape not just the fate of a holiday, but the moral arc of the nation itself.