06/20/2024
Happy Juneteenth! “Juneteenth! What is It? What Does it Mean? Why is it Important? Starting the Conversation!”
It’s Re-Share time when I re-share some of my most popular articles from my blog, Doing Life with Christ. I’m Dr. Chanel Serano, a Christian published author, former single mothers’ ministry leader of almost 10 years, CEO of Esther’s Daughters LLC and God is Within Her Publishing LLC, helping professional of 27 years with my current position being in the leadership capacity (management), and most importantly a single mom to an amazing college student!
“…With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” – Exodus 13:14 NIV
In this article, I addressed the questions surrounding Juneteenth as this appears to be a new concept some with confusion around it’s purpose. Juneteenth, formally referred to as Juneteenth National Independence Day, has been known over the years as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and Black Independence Day.
HISTORY: The Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved persons in the south (southern US) in 1863; however, the right of freedom could not be enforced in many places until after the end of the Civil War in1865. In most cases, formally enslaved persons remained because of: 1) Institutionalization of slavery involved the power over the powerless, privilege, and placing legislation in place to ensure the masses of enslaved individuals did not and were forbidden to receive formal education (the majority were illiterate); 2) Lack of places to go upon being freed (As enslaved, meals, wages, shelter, being with their family, education, body, work scheduled were all controlled by the slave owner; & 3) slave “masters” or “owners” did not inform enslaved individuals on their plantation of the freedom legislation.
The 1st celebration occurred in Galveston, Texas on 6/19/1865 where Union Major General Gordon Granger delivered the proclamation of freedom stating “absolute equality of personal rights & rights of property between former masters and slaves…”
TODAY: This day was symbolic and meant that formerly enslaved persons were SEEN, ACKNOWLEDGED, RECOGNIZED as People, as Human Beings. Racism is deeply rooted & engrained in our culture, society, & core beliefs that were instilled one generation after the other, so it not that people’s views, thoughts, feelings, and inhumane action towards African Americans, simply ceased, but it was the starting point of a very long much needed road.
What Can You Do?
Self-Awareness to address biases
Ask questions for understanding & growth
Immerse yourself in a culture different from your own, lead or participate in an event at your child’s school
Engage in deep conversations including with your kids
Attend events that are unfamiliar and stretch you & your children mentally
Share your culture, be open-minded, pursue growth
I’d love to hear from you. For more details, refer to the direct link: https://doinglifewithchristblog.wordpress.com/2022/06/20/juneteenth-what-is-it-what-does-it-mean-why-is-it-important-starting-the-conversation/
Like, Share, Follow, and connect with me on my YouTube channel (Dr. Chanel A Serano), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook private group, www.EsthersDaughtersLLC.com & www.DoingLifewithChristblog.wordpress.com, & [email protected]. Stay tuned for the launch of my 3rd book, All God Needs is Your Yes! Successfully Walking in Your Full Authority!!
Blessings Beautiful Ones!
