Author – joyeglenn

What is Juneteenth and the 4th of July to Black Americans?

The 4th of July is formally known as Independence Day. It is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was made official on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. The issue with the holiday is that during this time many black Americans in the southern states of America were still slaves. It wasn’t until another 90+ years later that black slaves in America gained their freedom. This is why for centuries many black Americans have celebrated our own independence date which is 19 June. The 19th of June for black Americans represents the official date that slavery was abolished. So in America, many black Americans do not celebrate the Fourth of July but the 19 June (better known as Juneteenth) and there are others that celebrate both. My family and I recognize both holidays. It must be understood that all black Americans were not from slavery. Some were always free citizens while others are from the Native American ancestry. However; now in the present, rather we are black, white or brown. We all have a country and nationally that we are proud to represent. We will always be proud proud Americans. But we are also happy immigrants, who have have chosen to settle down in the beautiful country of Spain. We recognize and celebrate who we are, while embracing an additional culture. Thus, creating a bit of a new culture for our family.

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