Do you remember learning about Juneteenth in elementary school, middle school, or high school? I do not recall learning about Juneteenth until I attended college. I am a Black woman and can say that almost all of American history taught in schools is whitewashed.
Juneteenth—also known as Freedom Day and Black Independence Day—is an American holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, meant to free all enslaved people in states that had seceded from the Union, was put into place on January 1, 1863. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that this news reached the last group of enslaved people in Texas.
Juneteenth is a local observance or public holiday that is recognized in 47 states and Washington D.C., according to USA Today. According to Time and Date, some state employees in states where Juneteenth is observed have a day off work, but…
