Juneteenth Celebrations Mark Emancipation Anniversary Amid Ongoing Struggles for Equality
Across the United States, people came together to mark Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in Texas in 1865. This significant event occurred two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln, highlighting the delayed notification of freedom for many. As the nation observed this federal holiday, now in its fourth year since being officially recognized in 2021, celebrations were not without their challenges, especially in states like New Hampshire, which has not adopted Juneteenth as a legal holiday.
In New Hampshire, the Black Heritage Trail organization culminated a week of events with the rededication of an 18th-century gravesite for freed and enslaved Africans in Portsmouth. JerriAnne Boggis, the executive director, underscored the significance of this site, known as the African Burying Ground, which was "covered up and erased from memory" until its accidental discovery in 2003. A memorial park was subsequently built to honor those buried there, ensuring their memory and history are preserved.
Boggis emphasized the importance of gathering during Juneteenth 2025, as it marks a poignant moment in American history, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Rev. Robert Thompson, the organization’s emeritus director, reflected on the emotions of those who learned of their freedom two years after it was officially declared, imagining a mix of joy and anger. "I would have been a little ticked off, I think, to have known that I had been free for two years, but nobody didn’t bother to tell me," Thompson said, encapsulating the frustration and disbelief that many would have felt.
This year’s Juneteenth celebrations are set against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s policies, including a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the federal government, and the removal of content related to Black American history from federal websites. These actions underscore the ongoing struggles for equality and recognition of Black American history and contributions.
As the United States continues to grapple with its complex history and the implications of Juneteenth, it is clear that the path to true equality and inclusivity is still being paved. The celebrations and reflections during Juneteenth serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work that remains to be done. In a year marked by challenges to diversity and inclusion, the observance of Juneteenth stands as a testament to the resilience of communities and the importance of remembering and honoring the past to build a more inclusive future.
