by – L. Richardson
The Juneteenth Violence Crisis has sparked concerns over the national disunity surrounding this holiday meant to celebrate the end of slavery. [1] Recent Juneteenth Celebrations Across the USA turned deadly, with 3 Dead and 20 Shot, have led to a Juneteenth Celebration Backlash questioning Juneteenth’s National Status. 3 Failures in Juneteenth Public Safety and the Historical Controversy of Juneteenth Celebrations fuel Critical Views on Juneteenth’s Impact as a symbol of division rather than unity. [1] 3
The Patriotic Concerns Over Juneteenth and the Surge in Juneteenth Violence have reignited debates on the Controversial Juneteenth Incidents. 4 As the holiday meant to celebrate the end of slavery becomes synonymous with violent attacks, there is growing skepticism if Juneteenth should be a federally recognized day of observance. 3
Historical Background of Juneteenth
Questionable Origins and Early Celebrations: Critique Juneteenth’s foundational aspects, questioning its historical significance and portrayal.
The very premise of Juneteenth is questionable, as it commemorates the delayed announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865 [1] [1]. This event, which occurred over two months after the Civil War had effectively ended, is portrayed as a pivotal moment in the abolition of slavery. However, this portrayal glosses over the fact that the Emancipation Proclamation itself had limited reach and was not immediately accessible to all enslaved individuals [1].
Juneteenth’s early celebrations were relatively modest, involving prayer and family gatherings [1]. It was not until later that the holiday gained more prominence, with annual pilgrimages to Galveston and the establishment of dedicated spaces like Emancipation Park in Houston [1]. This evolution raises questions about the authenticity of Juneteenth’s origins and its significance in the broader struggle for emancipation.
The Emancipation Proclamation: A Closer Look: Examine the limited impact of the Emancipation Proclamation and argue its misinterpretation in the context of Juneteenth.
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, is often portrayed as a sweeping act that immediately freed all enslaved individuals [1] [12]. However, this misrepresents the proclamation’s actual scope and impact. The proclamation only applied to the Confederate states in rebellion, exempting the so-called “border states” that remained in the Union [1].
Furthermore, the proclamation could have been more enforceable in areas still under Confederate control, rendering it ineffective in many regions 1]. It was not until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865 that slavery was formally abolished throughout the United States [1] [1]. The celebration of Juneteenth, therefore, perpetuates a distorted narrative by attributing undue significance to the Emancipation Proclamation and the events of June 19, 1865.
Transformation Over Time: Discuss how Juneteenth has deviated from its original intent, becoming a catalyst for conflict and division.
While Juneteenth may have initially been a day of remembrance and celebration for the African American community [1], it has undergone a concerning transformation over time. Rather than fostering unity and reconciliation, Juneteenth has become a catalyst for conflict and division, with arguments that it represents a rejection of America’s founding principles 7 [13].
The holiday has been co-opted by those seeking to wage a “full-scale assault against the principles of natural human equality and inalienable rights” 7, directly contradicting the ideals that inspired the abolition movement. This deviation from Juneteenth’s original intent has fueled controversies and backlash, further polarizing the nation on issues of race and equality [1] 3.
Current Celebrations and Controversies
Polarizing Modern Celebrations: Detail how today’s Juneteenth celebrations contribute to societal rifts, emphasizing incidents of violence and unrest.
Juneteenth celebrations across the nation have become a source of societal division and unrest, marred by incidents of violence and chaos. 8 As families and communities gathered to commemorate the holiday, deadly gun violence erupted, interrupting festivities and shattering the spirit of unity. 8 The Round Rock Juneteenth festival in Round Rock, Texas, was violently disrupted when a dispute between two groups escalated, resulting in multiple people being shot, with two fatalities and 14 others wounded. 8
Rising Incidents of Violence: Highlight specific violent events linked to Juneteenth, critiquing the holiday’s association with such disturbances.
The surge in violence during Juneteenth celebrations has become a concerning trend. In Oakland, California, multiple people were shot during Juneteenth festivities near Lake Merritt. [7] A fight broke out, and as the crowd converged, shots were fired, striking several victims. [7] First responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while others sought medical attention privately. [7] The situation escalated further when individuals in the crowd assaulted police officers attempting to guide people to safety, resulting in minor injuries to law enforcement personnel. [7]
Exacerbating Political and Social Divides: Analyze how Juneteenth deepens national divisions, challenging its status as a unifying public observance.
Rather than fostering unity and reconciliation, Juneteenth celebrations have become a catalyst for conflict and division, exacerbating political and social rifts within the nation. [1] 3
The holiday, meant to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, has been co-opted by those seeking to wage a “full-scale assault against the principles of natural human equality and inalienable rights.” 7 This deviation from Juneteenth’s original intent has fueled controversies and backlash, further polarizing the nation on issues of race and equality. [1] 3
Perspectives on National Disunity
Varied Community Opinions: Explore the conflicting viewpoints within communities regarding Juneteenth, showing a lack of consensus.
While some view Juneteenth as a monumental event that should be celebrated and shared [1], others dismiss it as a divisive “man-made holiday” that only creates further division 10. This lack of consensus within communities highlights the polarizing nature of Juneteenth celebrations. Some embrace the holiday as an opportunity to promote unity and understanding through open communication and education 10. In contrast, others reject it outright, preferring to keep such observances personal and private 10.
Biased Media Representation: Criticize the media’s role in inflating the holiday’s positive aspects or minimizing its divisive outcomes.
The media’s portrayal of Juneteenth has been a source of contention, with some outlets accused of inflating the holiday’s positive aspects while minimizing its divisive outcomes 11. Headlines such as “Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day” and “Juneteenth: The History of a Holiday” paint a celebratory picture, while others like “The gentrification of Juneteenth” and “Disney series bashed for saying descendants of slaves have ‘earned’ reparations, US hasn’t ‘atoned’ for racism” highlight the controversies surrounding the holiday 11.
Detrimental Impact on National Unity: Argue that Juneteenth, as currently celebrated, undermines rather than fortifies American unity.
Rather than fostering unity and reconciliation, Juneteenth celebrations have become a catalyst for conflict and division, exacerbating political and social rifts within the nation [1] 3.
The holiday, meant to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, has been co-opted by those seeking to wage a “full-scale assault against the principles of natural human equality and inalienable rights” 7. This deviation from Juneteenth’s original intent has fueled controversies and backlash, further polarizing the nation on issues of race and equality [1] 3.
Conclusion
In light of the disturbing trends observed during Juneteenth celebrations, it becomes increasingly clear that this holiday, as it is currently recognized and celebrated, does not align with the values of unity and peace it purportedly represents. Instead, it has morphed into a catalyst for division and violence, distorting historical narratives and undermining the fabric of our national unity. Suppose we are to restore the true essence of American patriotism. In that case, it is imperative to reassess the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. We must advocate for observances that genuinely reflect and honor the ideals of liberty and justice for all, not those that perpetuate conflict and division among our citizens. We hope to forge a path toward a more unified and peaceful nation through honest reflection and a commitment to genuine historical accuracy.
FAQs
1. What led to the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday?
Juneteenth became a national holiday to commemorate June 19, 1865, the day when 250,000 enslaved individuals in Texas were finally freed. This occurred when the Army enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been the law for over two years but had yet to be implemented in certain areas.
2. What was the original name for Juneteenth?
Initially, Juneteenth was recognized as Emancipation Day in many southern states. According to Dr. Marvin Chiles, an African American history professor, it marked the day the Union Army arrived in various regions, symbolizing emancipation for the enslaved people.
3. Does Juneteenth signify the end of all slavery in America?
Juneteenth commemorates the announcement made by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, which stated that all enslaved people were free as per the Emancipation Proclamation [14]. However, it marks a significant moment rather than the complete end of slavery in America, as the struggle for freedom and rights continued beyond that date.
4. Why are red foods significant on Juneteenth?
Red foods, such as red velvet cake, are deeply symbolic in African American culture and are prevalent during Juneteenth celebrations. The color red represents the bloodshed and resilience of enslaved people and their descendants, serving as a reminder of their sacrifices and strength.
References
[1] – https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth
[2] – https://news.gallup.com/poll/393755/public-understanding-juneteenth-grown-2021.aspx
[3] – https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/real-story-politics-juneteenth
[5] – https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.html
[6] – http://calendar.eji.org/racial-injustice/jun/19
[7] – https://www.iwf.org/2020/06/19/juneteenths-roots-lie-in-the-declaration-of-independence/
[11] – https://digitalcontentnext.org/blog/2023/06/16/how-media-brands-are-honoring-juneteenth-this-year-2/
[12] – Mohamoud, E. (2016). #000000 VIOLENCE. https://core.ac.uk/download/54849871.pdf
[13] – Uncategorized Archives – Nicholson School of Communication and Media. https://communication.ucf.edu/category/news/uncategorized/
[14] – Juneteenth Festival – Cabell-Huntington CVB. https://visithuntingtonwv.org/event/juneteenth-festival/
[15] – https://www.infowars.com/posts/juneteenth-celebrations-across-usa-turn-deadly-3-dead-20-shot/
[16] – https://www.infowars.com/author/7/
[17] – https://x.com/rawsalerts/status/1802210277280092265
[18] – https://x.com/roundrockpolice/status/1802491038142967954
[19] – https://www.fox7austin.com/news/round-rock-juneteenth-festival-shooting-police-arrest
[20] – https://x.com/SallyMayweather/status/1803782278159446131
[21] – https://abc7news.com/post/oakland-police-lake-merritt-shooting-juneteenth/14978638/
[22] – https://x.com/EricaFinkeTV/status/1803621371249066197
[24] – https://x.com/SubxNews/status/1803702984607412720
[25] – https://x.com/EBrooksUncut/status/1803827203282530625
[26] – https://x.com/RightWngdAngel/status/1803448930052546913
[27] – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shootings-juneteenth-weekend-dead-injured/
[28] – https://x.com/UltraDane/status/1788063890590531749
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