The 4th of July is formally known as Independence Day. It is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the United States declared its independence from Great Britain.
For many Black Americans, however, the holiday carries a complicated history. While the nation celebrated freedom and independence, many Black people in the Southern states remained enslaved. It would take nearly ninety years before slavery would be brought to an end.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. However, news traveled slowly, and enforcement was inconsistent in areas still under Confederate control. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free. For many, this was the first time they learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.
This day became known as Juneteenth and has long been celebrated by many Black Americans as a commemoration of freedom, resilience, and the end of slavery in the United States. As a result, some Black Americans choose to celebrate Juneteenth rather than the Fourth of July, while others celebrate both.
My family and I recognize both holidays. It is also important to remember that not all Black Americans descend from enslaved people. Some were born free, while others trace their ancestry to Native American, Caribbean, African, or other backgrounds. Nevertheless, Juneteenth remains a significant part of the shared history of many Black Americans.
Today, regardless of whether we are Black, White, Brown, or any other ethnicity, we all have a heritage and nationality that we are proud to represent. We will always be proud Americans. At the same time, we are grateful immigrants who have chosen to make our home in the beautiful country of Spain. We celebrate who we are while embracing another culture, creating a unique blend of traditions and experiences for our family.