Latest news with #BlackCommunity
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Editorial: Why Juneteenth matters — The promise of freedom, liberty and equality must still be redeemed
Two-and-a-half years after Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, the enslaved people of Texas learned — via the victorious Union Army — that they were liberated. It was June 19, 1865, when U.S. Maj. General Gordon Granger issued an order, reading: 'The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages.' That 'absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property,' of course, while easy to assert on paper, has been devilishly difficult in the 160 intervening years to make real. In Reconstruction, Southern whites brutally kept freed Black people down. During Jim Crow, segregation and voting suppression and racism made the promise of fairness little more than a taunt. Even since the civil rights movement, which culminated in sweeping federal legislation prohibiting discrimination, the pernicious virus of bias infects too many institutions. Even if every last American were enlightened — which is most certainly not the case — the accumulated weight of generations of bigotry, much of it written into our laws, still weighs on the nation. Wealth and power are tightly intertwined, and the median white household has a net worth 10 times the median Black household, a disparity that adds up to more than $10 trillion. There are many reasons for this, some of which flow from individuals' decisions — we don't for a moment suggest that to be Black in America is to be invariably destined to a life of poverty and oppression — but the lasting burden of decade after decade after decade of injustice still makes shoulders ache. On Juneteenth, we celebrate those who carry that weight and dedicate ourselves to building a fairer future. _____
CBS News
13 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood celebrates Juneteenth, honoring families' resilience
On Juneteenth, the Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota, gathered to honor a history of resilience. "They had a rhythm in Rondo, it had a different vibe than any other place in the city of St. Paul," said Marvin Anderson, director of the Rondo Center of Diverse Expression. Once home to a thriving Black community, Rondo was upended by the construction of Interstate 94 in the late 1950s. Hundreds of homes and businesses were demolished to make way for the freeway, displacing countless families. "I-94 totally destroyed the Rondo community. It was a complete and utter devastation of the businesses, the social institutions and cultural institutions," Anderson said. "A lot of our stories, our journeys, are filled with pain." Anderson's family was directly impacted by the construction. "It was a devastating event for my family, and when I left here I had never gone back to the home I grew up in," he said. For Allison Williams, her parents witnessed first-hand what it was like to watch the construction. "I remember stories of my mom, when she was a newly-wed. They came out and stood and watched the bulldozers tearing up what used to be their neighborhood," Williams said. WCCO But this year's Juneteenth celebration was a reminder that Rondo's spirit could never be broken. "Our values in Rondo were timeless, just like the values that people learned on the plantation. They've lasted for 400 years," he said. "How did we survive in America unless we had a set of values that we were able to transmit to each other? That's what sustained us here, our sense of who we are and where we came from." The event featured speakers from four Rondo families, reminding the next generation what their families had to go through and how they have stayed resilient over time. "With memories of the elders of Rondo, they are translated to the imaginations of the youth of Rondo," he said. The event was an opportunity for those in attendance to reflect on how far the neighborhood has come since the I-94 construction. Anderson hopes the Rondo neighborhood can grow with the proposed plan to build a land bridge over I-94 to reconnect the neighborhood that was torn apart by the construction. If you would like to be a part of preserving this rich legacy, there are plenty of upcoming events in the neighborhood, like Rondo Days in July. Click here for a list of Juneteenth events in the Twin Cities.
CNN
18 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
How people can show up for the Black community
For Juneteenth, CNN political historian Leah Wright Rigueur and senior political commentator Van Jones discuss the significance of supporting the Black community.
CNN
18 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
How people can show up for the Black community
For Juneteenth, CNN political historian Leah Wright Rigueur and senior political commentator Van Jones discuss the significance of supporting the Black community.
Forbes
3 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Experience Juneteenth In These Cities Honoring History And Culture
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery to more than 250,000 still-enslaved Black people. The announcement came nearly two years after former President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. As the westernmost Confederate state, Texas still maintained a stronghold on institutional slavery, requiring the physical presence of Union soldiers to enforce emancipation. Galveston was their final stop, where they declared freedom, a moment that would go down in history. The day came to be called Juneteenth, a portmanteau of the month and day. However, Juneteenth, sometimes referred to as America's second Independence Day, did not mark a straightforward path to complete freedom. Slavery was not officially abolished in the U.S. until December 6, 1865, when the 13th Amendment was ratified, declaring that 'Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction.' Since its inception, Juneteenth celebrations have been curated by and for members of the Black community, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the date's historical significance. The first Juneteenth, or 'Jubilee,' is believed to have taken place in Galveston in 1866 in honor of the initial 1865 announcement. Throughout the Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras, Juneteenth celebrations continued despite dangerous and restrictive conditions. Due to segregation laws, African Americans were banned from holding large public gatherings. People would instead gather in churches to hear sermons focused on the holiday's importance or host intimate house parties where community mobilization and progress were key topics of discussion. Today, these celebrations have evolved to include a wide range of educational events, programs, community gatherings and concerts. In 2021, Juneteenth was designated an official federal holiday. The nationwide recognition not only increased support and participation in Juneteenth events but also affirmed the contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. While the holiday remains nationally recognized, inadequate education, disinvestment, political polarization and cultural division currently threaten its legacy. Still, many cities continue to keep it alive with meaningful celebrations. Here are a few Juneteenth celebrations around the nation that honor the true meaning of the day. Oakland celebrates Juneteenth with the Hella Juneteenth Festival at the Oakland Museum of California on June 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The celebration brings together live music across two stages, interactive art and tech installations and a curated cookout plate showcasing top Black chefs and restaurants. Attendees can also explore a marketplace of Black-owned vendors, enjoy family-friendly lawn games or opt for a VIP experience with exclusive drink tastings and premium access. Experience the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute's historic galleries with free admission all day on Juneteenth, offered in the spirit of freedom and reflection. Explore powerful exhibits that share the stories of those who fought for civil rights and the legacy that continues today. Throughout the day, enjoy special activities including educational seminars with local historians, a kid's zone with hands-on S.T.R.E.A.M. activities and food trucks serving up delicious local flavors. Guests can also participate in mural painting with local artists and studios and join in line dancing during a live broadcast from the city's largest radio stations. Birmingham is also welcoming guests to Rickwood Field, which will host the 2025 East-West Classic—a special Juneteenth event featuring MLB legends like CC Sabathia, Ryan Howard and Adam Jones. Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball stadium in the U.S. and was home to the Birmingham Black Barons, one of the original teams in the Negro Southern League. Cincinnati's annual citywide Juneteenth celebrations reflect the city's deep commitment to honoring the holiday. The festivities kick off with the 38th Annual Juneteenth Festival in Eden Park, a free family-friendly weekend featuring a parade of flags representing the African diaspora, two stages of live music spanning blues, jazz, R&B and more, children's activities, historical reenactments, art, health screenings and diverse food vendors. On June 19, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hosts the Juneteenth Jubilee, offering live performances, a Community Market, food trucks and free museum admission. The city's largest Juneteenth Block Party returns to The Banks on June 21, featuring the Homecoming Experience which honors Black fraternities and sororities. Tulsa, Oklahoma transforms the historic Greenwood District—home of Black Wall Street—into a multi-day festival honoring freedom, unity and community legacy with its 'Family Reunion' themed Juneteenth festivities. Events include a 1-mile and 5K Run/Walk through Greenwood's iconic streets, a range of family-friendly activities, live music, cultural performances and storytelling that connect generations and celebrate the resilient spirit of North Tulsa. Keeping with the spirit of Black Wall Street, event-goers can also partake in panel discussions on real estate investment, learn about programs to assist first-time homebuyers and enjoy a networking brunch for aspiring entrepreneurs. Milwaukee's 2025 Juneteenth Summerfest celebration will mark 54 years of history and community pride with events celebrating progress and honoring the past. The festivities will include parades, live music, dance performances and educational workshops. A special opening ceremony featuring community leaders and recognition of Juneteenth scholarship recipients like Ms. Juneteenth and Mr. Juneteenth. A new event, 'A Taste of Juneteenth,' will highlight beloved restaurants in the city including Atwood Hwy BBQ Company, Dear Florence Sweets and Glad's Kitchen. Live music can be seen across multiple stages with dedicated performances by national and local artists including Gary Clark Jr., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and The Isley Brothers. Charleston, South Carolina's annual Lowcountry Juneteenth Week, or J19, returns for its fifth year uplifting Black culture and the unique Gullah Geechee heritage. Highlights include the lively J19 Week Block Party with music, games and vendors. The 'Hey Cousin' Lowcountry Juneteenth Weekend Cookout at Hanahan Amphitheater offers a "family reunion-style" atmosphere with live entertainment from acclaimed native DJ Chuck T, traditional Lowcountry cuisine and community connection. Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy educational programs, workshops dissecting Gullah Geechee culture, art exhibits and other performances. Columbia's month-long Juneteenth celebration is a rich blend of music, food, education and community engagement. Festivity highlights include the Juneteenth Gospel Fest at Stephens Lake Park and the 'Juneteenth Journey: Honoring Survivors, Empowering Voices' event at Friendship MB Church. On Juneteenth, the city hosts major gatherings including a celebration and luncheon at Douglass Park and the Powerhouse Annual Juneteenth Event at Cosmo Park alongside cultural programs like 'Let Freedom Ring.' The CoMo Juneteenth Parade through downtown and the St. Paul Juneteenth Legacy event mark the end of the celebrations on June 21. The historic Madam Walker Legacy Center is a cornerstone of Indianapolis, Indiana's Juneteenth celebrations. Legacy Fest 2025 honors the entrepreneurial spirit and impact of Madam CJ Walker with events focused on enrichment, fundraising, community and empowerment. The festival opens with the highly anticipated Legacy Fest Benefit Concert on June 20, headlined by the legendary Isley Brothers, serving as both a major cultural event and a fundraiser supporting the Center's mission in entrepreneurship, education and the arts. On June 21, the festivities continue with the free Legacy Fest Block Party featuring live musical performances, food trucks, local vendors and activities.
