What is Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865 federal troops rode into Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and announce the freedom of the slaves. Immediately, all of the 250,000 slaves of Texas were free.
Imagine the shock they felt. News spread like wildfire. Spontaneous prayers, songs, dancing, and feasting broke out. Dreams were quickly born of reconnecting with long lost loved ones, fellow slaves who had been relocated to other states by slave traders.
Annual June 19 celebrations began in Texas the next year and quickly spread to other states. The jubilees were marked by prayer meetings, singing of negro spirituals, and wearing new clothes as a symbol of newfound freedom. Celebrations nowadays include parades, races, cookouts, fishing, barbequing and more.
The holiday became known as “Juneteenth.” It is a day to remember the contributions of black Americans. George Washington Carver comes to mind, the renowned agricultural chemist, inventor, and educator. And there are many other lesser-known leaders in the black community who have greatly improved our lives. Here is a short list:
Sarah Boone invented the ironing board in 1892.
Elijah McCoy developed the automated system for wheel lubrication on trains. Electronics engineer, Lewis Latimer, assisted Mr. Bell by making technical drawings that contributed to the invention of the telephone.
In 1940 Frederick McKinley invented a refrigeration system for trucks so that perishables could be transported, including blood and vaccines.
Eunice Carter, assistant DA in New York City, successfully investigated the crime activities of notorious crime boss “Lucky” Luciano, which led to his conviction in 1936.
Her boss, Thomas Dewey, got the credit and ran for president, but she did the painstaking work.
Garrett Morgan invented the first traffic lights in 1923, which had different signals for “stop,” “go,” and “stop in all directions,” allowing people to safely cross.
The apostle John saw heaven as an integrated community: “…a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7.9).
We can enjoy a bit of heaven on earth when we appreciate the diversity of races
God has created. Jrmeteenth celebrates a special gift to our land.