Current Events

HAPPY JUNETEENTH! The History Behind The Holiday

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HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

Current Events
Today is June 19th, and the day African-Americans celebrate as the day slaves were officially free.  More specifically, Juneteenth refers to the freedom day or emancipation day from 1865 which is celebrated by African-Americans in the US via the announcement of the abolition of slavery.

Happy Juneteenth

Currently, just over 40 states recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. That’s why members of the Congressional Black Caucus are preparing to introduce legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday.

In case you’re unaware of the importance of this date, check out the video below. In the meantime, celebrate and enjoy JUNETEENTH!

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OK WASSUP! covers Current Events:
HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

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DJ

DJ is the creator and editor of OK WASSUP! He is also a Guest Writer/Blogger, Professional and Motivational Speaker, Producer, Music Consultant, and Media Contributor. New York, New York USA

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Truthiz1

Thank you DJ. That video is very informing. I really appreciate it…especially given the historic and unprecedented times we’re living in.

Btw- I’m proud to say that as of 2 days ago (Wed) my home state of Pennsylvania joined at least 40 other states in honoring today, “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” as a state holiday.

PAGov.:
This Friday is the first anniversary of Pennsylvania declaring June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Pennsylvania. Governor Wolf is encouraging Pennsylvanians to reflect on the importance of the state holiday and the continued need for a fair and just society.

“This Juneteenth, people across Pennsylvania and the world will celebrate this important day of independence,” said Governor Wolf. “This is a moment to honor African American history and reflect on how each of us can promote equality, liberty and justice for all people.”

Last edited 4 years ago by Truthiz1
Truthiz1

And on a related note: “GOP senator to introduce bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Thursday he will introduce legislation making Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the emancipation of formerly enslaved African Americans, a federal holiday.  The June 19 holiday is “an opportunity to reflect on our history, the mistakes we have made, but yet how far we’ve come in the fight for equality, and a reminder of just how far we still have to go,” Cornyn, who is up for reelection in November, said on the Senate floor on Thursday.  Juneteenth has its roots in Cornyn’s home state, where in 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation to former slaves, the final state where it was read after first being issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.  Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) has introduced corresponding federal legislation in the House. […] – The Hill,… Read more »

Last edited 4 years ago by Truthiz1
Mr.BD

Truth I had not heard about this before. Cornyn wants to make it a holiday? That is big news. I hope he is being sincere and not just faking it for black votes.

Truthiz1

You know the earth has shifted a bit in America when you have both Dems AND Repubs suddenly pushing to make Juneteenth a National holiday – 155 years AFTER the first “Juneteenth” in 1865.

Last edited 4 years ago by Truthiz1
Mr.BD

Yes thank you for this DJ. That video is real informative.

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