What is Juneteenth?

Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1^st, 1863, which declared all enslaved persons in rebellious states as free. However, this did not mean the end to slavery.

As UC Davis historians Justin Leroy and Gregory Downs explained, this proclamation impacted only the states in open rebellion, meaning all Union states were allowed to continue enslaving Black people.

Slavery was not actually abolished until two and a half years later, on June 19^th, 1865. The BBC explains that there were still 250,000 enslaved peoples in Galveston, Texas, who had no idea that they had been freed all this time.

How is it celebrated?

Although Juneteenth is not a national holiday, 46 states and the District of Columbia recognize it every year. The first celebration was in Texas in 1866, becoming an official state holiday in 1980.

People celebrate differently all over. But as with many holidays, there are some more traditional foods to enjoy. Red foods tend to remain a theme, and although it’s not exactly clear why, there is the belief that it is linked back to the West African Kola Nut and hibiscus.

What about Liberia?

Liberia’s own history is rich and complicated. Although Juneteenth may not be an official Liberian holiday, the story of Liberia is intertwined with the history of United States. The system of slavery that existed in America directly impacted the fate of Liberia. Let us remember and commemorate the history of both of our beloved countries.

Eat some kola, wash it down with hibiscus juice, and honor the day that enslaved peoples were finally free.