It’s time for a reality check on Juneteenth, the “holiday” that’s recently gained national prominence. For those who might not know, Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last group of enslaved people that they were free. While this date has become a symbol of emancipation, it’s important to remember that the real legal end to slavery in the United States didn’t come until the 13th Amendment was ratified six months later on December 6, 1865. So why are we celebrating a fictional date instead of the actual end of slavery?
The fanfare around Juneteenth often overlooks the crucial fact that, until the 13th Amendment was officially ratified, slavery was still legally permissible in parts of the United States. The announcement in Texas, while significant, was more of a symbolic gesture rather than a legal one. The slaves might have been told they were free, but without the constitutional amendment, their freedom wasn’t guaranteed. So, should we really be marking a date that didn’t signify the actual legal end of slavery?
And let’s talk about the word “Juneteenth” itself. It’s technically called a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth,” which is not only clunky but also sounds like something a child would come up with. It’s baffling that we’ve chosen this made-up term to represent such a significant event in American history. The term feels condescending, almost as if it was designed to undermine the intelligence of those it purports to celebrate. Is this really the best we can do to honor the end of one of the darkest chapters in our history?
Moreover, elevating Juneteenth to the status of a national holiday feels like a disservice and a trick played on the very people it’s meant to honor. It glosses over the fact that the true legal freedom came with the 13th Amendment. This emphasis on a symbolic date rather than the actual date of legal emancipation seems to suggest a lack of respect for the importance of legal and constitutional processes. It’s as if the narrative has been conveniently simplified to fit a more palatable story, rather than acknowledging the complexities and realities of history.
Let’s be honest, the sudden rise of Juneteenth as a national holiday seems more like a political move to pander to a specific demographic for votes. It’s an easy way to gain favor without having to address the deeper, more uncomfortable truths about America’s history. By promoting a feel-good holiday, politicians can appear progressive and inclusive without having to make substantial changes or acknowledge that the true end of slavery was on December 6, 1865.
If we are to truly honor the end of slavery, we should focus on the day the 13th Amendment was ratified, ensuring that slavery was constitutionally abolished. It’s high time we reevaluate which date we choose to celebrate and ensure that we do so with the respect and accuracy that such a significant event deserves. But, it’s all good; Federal employees have another excuse to not work because some politicians want your vote
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