Latest news with #SamCollins
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
What does Juneteenth celebrate? Meaning and origins, explained
This Thursday marks 160 years since the origin of Juneteenth, which commemorates the day the last group of enslaved people found out they had been freed. Long a holiday in the Black community and now federally recognized, the celebrations kick off each June 19, allowing people to gather, dance, reenact pivotal moments in history, and more. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and opportunity, said Sam Collins, who is on the trustee board for the Rosenberg Library in Galveston, often called 'Professor Juneteenth.' 'It's not so much about slavery as it is about the freedom from slavery and what it allowed for the former enslaved people to live their lives free, to marry, to learn to read, to educate themselves, to have self agency over their bodies, to keep their families together,' he told USA TODAY on June 10. Here's what to know about Juneteenth, how it began, and how it's celebrated today. Juneteenth is a commemoration of the events that took place 160 years ago in Galveston, Texas, about 57 miles southeast of Houston. Calling it an 'often overlooked event in our nation's history,' the National Museum of African American History said Juneteenth occurred two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves in rebellious states. That day, on June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas. 'This is American history, world history, Texas history, and most of all, Galveston history, because Galveston, Texas is the birthplace of Juneteenth,' said Collins, a seventh generation Texan. Collins said formerly enslaved people celebrated after June 1865, but festivities died off for a while. In 1879, politician Robert Evans introduced a bill to celebrate Black emancipation, but the bill did not garner enough support during the Jim Crow era, Collins said. Juneteenth celebrations began to regain popularity again in the 1970s and early 1980s, after another Texas politician, Albert Ely Edwards, pushed for Juneteenth to become a state holiday, Collins said. 'There are many ancestors and elders that kept the oral history going until we made it to 2021 and it became a national holiday,' he said. 'And the truth of the matter (is that) if it wasn't for the murder of George Floyd, Juneteenth would not have become a national holiday in 2021.' Retired teacher and educator Opal Lee, known as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' started a petition to federally recognize Juneteenth in October 2019. Not many people signed, but immediately following Floyd's murder and the protests that ensued, her petition jumped significantly and garnered over 1.6 million signatures. In June 2021, then-president Joe Biden declared June 19 a national holiday. Lee was present that day. Upon hearing the news, Collins said he thought of all those who pushed to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, including Rev. Ronald V. Myers Sr., who founded the National Juneteenth Observers Foundation before his death in 2018. 'I wish they had lived to see it,' he said. Today, Juneteenth has become commercialized, celebrated with Juneteenth cups and t-shirts and other memorabilia, Collins said. Junteenth celebrations usually feature flags such as a red, white and blue flag with a star in the center, the same colors as the American flag, Collins said. There's also the Pan African colors, or red, black and green. For previous Juneteenth celebrations, Black people would often celebrate with whatever food and drinks were available, such as red drinks or red punch as opposed to water. Watermelon is often enjoyed as it's easy to cut up and disperse, almost like a cake, he said. Today, there are also Juneteenth pageants, parades, and festivals with music and speeches. Some people believe individuals can't celebrate both Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, but this isn't the case, Collins said. 'The Fourth of July is a freedom birthday for the country, and June 19 is a freedom birthday for the formerly enslaved,' he told USA TODAY. He also stressed that there were people living in what is now known as the United States before 1776. When historians and community members talk about Juneteenth, it's important not to forget Indigenous people, he said. Juneteenth also isn't just a Texas holiday, and it isn't only for Black people, he said. It's for everyone to celebrate freedom and liberty. Collins thinks of the history of the U.S. as a salad, made up of different stories. Each date, holiday, and event helps to complete the salad, he said. 'By adding Juneteenth, the national holiday, we flavor up the history, and we expand the narrative to tell the full story of the contributions of everyone in the history of everyone in our community,' he said. Even Cinco De Mayo is tied to Juneteenth, Collins said. On May 5, 1862, a Mexican army defeated French forces in the Battle of Puebla. French Emperor Napoleon III had plans to provide the Confederacy with guns in exchange for cotton, but the French were defeated and didn't return until about a year later in May 1863. Some historians believe this pushback allowed then-president Abraham Lincoln's generals to win Union victories before the French could give the Confederacy 'upgraded artillery and munitions,' per 'We need to acknowledge all of this history and tell the full story,' Collins said 'The national holiday helps to repair the foundation of our American history's story.' Contributing: Matthew Brown, Chelsey Cox, and N'dea Yancey-Bragg Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Juneteenth? Explaining the holiday's meaning and origins
USA Today
3 days ago
- General
- USA Today
What does Juneteenth celebrate? Meaning and origins, explained
What does Juneteenth celebrate? Meaning and origins, explained This Thursday marks 160 years since the origin of Juneteenth, which commemorates the day the last group of enslaved people found out they had been freed. Long a holiday in the Black community and now federally recognized, the celebrations kick off each June 19, allowing people to gather, dance, reenact pivotal moments in history, and more. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and opportunity, said Sam Collins, who is on the trustee board for the Rosenberg Library in Galveston, often called 'Professor Juneteenth.' 'It's not so much about slavery as it is about the freedom from slavery and what it allowed for the former enslaved people to live their lives free, to marry, to learn to read, to educate themselves, to have self agency over their bodies, to keep their families together,' he told USA TODAY on June 10. Here's what to know about Juneteenth, how it began, and how it's celebrated today. How did Juneteenth get its start? Juneteenth is a commemoration of the events that took place 160 years ago in Galveston, Texas, about 57 miles southeast of Houston. Calling it an 'often overlooked event in our nation's history,' the National Museum of African American History said Juneteenth occurred two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves in rebellious states. That day, on June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas. 'This is American history, world history, Texas history, and most of all, Galveston history, because Galveston, Texas is the birthplace of Juneteenth,' said Collins, a seventh generation Texan. Collins said formerly enslaved people celebrated after June 1865, but festivities died off for a while. In 1879, politician Robert Evans introduced a bill to celebrate Black emancipation, but the bill did not garner enough support during the Jim Crow era, Collins said. Juneteenth celebrations began to regain popularity again in the 1970s and early 1980s, after another Texas politician, Albert Ely Edwards, pushed for Juneteenth to become a state holiday, Collins said. 'There are many ancestors and elders that kept the oral history going until we made it to 2021 and it became a national holiday,' he said. 'And the truth of the matter (is that) if it wasn't for the murder of George Floyd, Juneteenth would not have become a national holiday in 2021.' Retired teacher and educator Opal Lee, known as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' started a petition to federally recognize Juneteenth in October 2019. Not many people signed, but immediately following Floyd's murder and the protests that ensued, her petition jumped significantly and garnered over 1.6 million signatures. In June 2021, then-president Joe Biden declared June 19 a national holiday. Lee was present that day. Upon hearing the news, Collins said he thought of all those who pushed to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, including Rev. Ronald V. Myers Sr., who founded the National Juneteenth Observers Foundation before his death in 2018. 'I wish they had lived to see it,' he said. What do Juneteenth celebrations look like? Today, Juneteenth has become commercialized, celebrated with Juneteenth cups and t-shirts and other memorabilia, Collins said. Junteenth celebrations usually feature flags such as a red, white and blue flag with a star in the center, the same colors as the American flag, Collins said. There's also the Pan African colors, or red, black and green. For previous Juneteenth celebrations, Black people would often celebrate with whatever food and drinks were available, such as red drinks or red punch as opposed to water. Watermelon is often enjoyed as it's easy to cut up and disperse, almost like a cake, he said. Today, there are also Juneteenth pageants, parades, and festivals with music and speeches. Juneteenth is not in competition with the Fourth of July, 'Professor Juneteenth' says Some people believe individuals can't celebrate both Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, but this isn't the case, Collins said. 'The Fourth of July is a freedom birthday for the country, and June 19 is a freedom birthday for the formerly enslaved,' he told USA TODAY. He also stressed that there were people living in what is now known as the United States before 1776. When historians and community members talk about Juneteenth, it's important not to forget Indigenous people, he said. Juneteenth also isn't just a Texas holiday, and it isn't only for Black people, he said. It's for everyone to celebrate freedom and liberty. How is Juneteenth tied to May 5? Collins thinks of the history of the U.S. as a salad, made up of different stories. Each date, holiday, and event helps to complete the salad, he said. 'By adding Juneteenth, the national holiday, we flavor up the history, and we expand the narrative to tell the full story of the contributions of everyone in the history of everyone in our community,' he said. Even Cinco De Mayo is tied to Juneteenth, Collins said. On May 5, 1862, a Mexican army defeated French forces in the Battle of Puebla. French Emperor Napoleon III had plans to provide the Confederacy with guns in exchange for cotton, but the French were defeated and didn't return until about a year later in May 1863. Some historians believe this pushback allowed then-president Abraham Lincoln's generals to win Union victories before the French could give the Confederacy 'upgraded artillery and munitions,' per 'We need to acknowledge all of this history and tell the full story,' Collins said 'The national holiday helps to repair the foundation of our American history's story.' Contributing: Matthew Brown, Chelsey Cox, and N'dea Yancey-Bragg Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
Travel Weekly
7 days ago
- Politics
- Travel Weekly
Why Juneteenth matters to all of us
In the 2025 Telly Award-winning episode of "Traveling With Denella," I took a deeply personal journey to Galveston, Texas -- the birthplace of Juneteenth. Denella Ri'chard has been the host of the TV show "Traveling With Denella" since 2020. She is a former executive of Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Hilton and is also a con-sultant and industry speaker. There, I sat down with renowned local historian Sam Collins, whose insight and passion brought new depth to a story I thought I already understood. But what I learned transformed how I view not only this holiday but American history itself. The Juneteenth backstory On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with a message that would forever change the course of American history. He read General Order No. 3, announcing that "all slaves are free." For the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas, this was the first official word of their freedom. Why did it take so long? As Collins explained it, Texas -- geographically remote and politically resistant -- became a final refuge for slavery as the Confederacy crumbled. Some enslavers intentionally withheld the news. Others fled to Texas specifically to avoid emancipation. Juneteenth marks the delayed but determined dawn of freedom for the last enslaved people in the U.S. Reasons we celebrate Juneteenth isn't just a Black story. It's an American story: a narrative of hope, resilience and triumph against unimaginable odds. It's the story of a nation struggling to live up to its founding ideals, that all are created equal. To celebrate Juneteenth is to acknowledge our shared history honestly, to reflect on how far we've come and to recommit ourselves to justice and equality for all. And yet, Juneteenth is not just about the past. It's a reminder that freedom and equality are not static achievements; they are ongoing pursuits. Juneteenth calls us to action. It's a day that invites education, service, conversation and unity. Related forum: Tracing Juneteenth's roots and meaning Across the country, communities are now using this day to host cultural festivals, educational workshops and commemorative ceremonies that foster progress and community fellowship. It's an opportunity for all Americans to take part in building a better, more inclusive future. This is why it's so meaningful that Juneteenth became a federal holiday. President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, after decades of advocacy from community leaders, historians and everyday Americans who understood the importance of remembrance and recognition. It was a moment of national acknowledgment -- long overdue but deeply powerful. A personal reflection Walking through Galveston's historical districts, I felt the weight of history and the spirit of those who waited for freedom to reach them. I thought about the strength it took not just to survive slavery but to build lives, communities and futures in its aftermath. During the episode, Sam showed me Galveston's Freedom Walk, which included the Middle Passage marker, which commemorates enslaved people in Galveston; Reedy Chapel, where General Order No. 3 was read; and a Juneteenth mural that Sam said "helped expand the narrative" by, among other things, including images of Black Union troops. This episode of "Traveling With Denella" wasn't just about documenting a destination. It was about uncovering truths, elevating voices and honoring the past in a way that empowers the present. For me, celebrating Juneteenth is not optional -- it's essential. A call to celebrate Juneteenth teaches us that freedom delayed is still freedom worth fighting for. It invites every American to join in reflection and celebration, not just of emancipation but of the enduring belief that justice will prevail. As we mark Juneteenth each year, let's move beyond barbecues and picnics. Let's tell the stories. Let's teach the history. Let's recognize that this moment in time belongs to all of us. Because Juneteenth is not just Black history. It's American history. The "Juneteenth" special episode airs in 50-plus cities through June, including NBC affiliates in New York, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle. Check local listings or stream at _____________________________________ Travel Weekly accepts opinion pieces on subjects of interest to the travel industry and, most importantly, to travel advisors. Forums should be 550 words and must be exclusive to Travel Weekly; no part of the writing can have been published anywhere else. Forums must not be self-promotional and should be submitted with the understanding that Travel Weekly reserves the right to edit the content for length, style, spelling, clarity, structure, etc. Submissions, along with a high-resolution headshot and a short bio, should be emailed to editor in chief Arnie Weissmann and deputy managing editor Gerry Bourbeau.
CNN
03-06-2025
- General
- CNN
Lost dog returns home after swimming to island in 100-mile trip
A dog who went missing for more than a month and covered about 100 miles - including a mile-long swim - has finally been returned to her foster home after being rescued at sea. Five-year-old Amber bolted in late April, a day after arriving in London from Qatar, where she was rescued from the streets. Sam Collins, co-founder of not-for-profit KS Rescue Angels, told CNN Tuesday that Amber was transferred to an experienced foster family in England's southern New Forest region on April 25. The following morning, Amber escaped from the family's garden, despite the fact they had 8-foot fences surrounding their property. News of Amber's escape was posted on social media and around the local area. Numerous sightings were reported and pictures and video clips sent to the rescue service, which enabled them to map Amber's movements. 'Within the first three weeks she was probably only travelling around 10 miles from where she had gone missing but in different directions,' said Collins. Pictures and video clips that they received enabled KS Rescue Angels to set up cameras and feeding stations. 'We were doing this for three or four weeks and we always seemed to be one step behind her. Then it all went dark around the four-week mark and we stopped getting any reliable sightings.' Collins believes this was probably when Amber travelled 30 miles to the coastal town of Poole. Locals had reported sightings there of a stray dog but it was too far away for anyone to make the connection. Incredibly, Amber managed to swim a mile from the town's affluent neighbourhood of Sandbanks to Brownsea Island. Managed by the National Trust, Brownsea is a wildlife haven where dogs are not usually welcome. 'She spent three days there and there was a search party from the National Trust, as well as a lady who lived there who put food out for her every night. She probably got spooked by all the people trying to catch her so she tried to swim back to Sandbanks but got into trouble when she got caught in the currents and tide,' Collins said. Fortunately, however, Amber was spotted by a passing boat. 'She swam to the boat and actually hooked her paws around the ladder on the side,' said Collins. 'They couldn't pull her up because she had actually hooked her paws so tightly, so one of the lads jumped in the water to get in from behind her and push her into the boat.' Back on dry land, news of the amazing recovery circulated on social media - and eventually reached Collins who recognized Amber from a scar on her nose. Once she was collected, Amber was checked over by a vet who found she had lost weight but was otherwise well. She is now back with the foster family. 'She's been very tired but very snuggly,' said Collins. 'She's got a couple of bruises where she's probably caught herself on barbed wire, thorn bushes or something, but other than that she's in remarkable condition considering. 'She's being kept on at least two, possibly three leads at any time in the garden. The foster home is terrified of her getting out again.' Collins said Amber likely covered about 100 miles during her extended walkies. Amber will remain with the family for at least a couple of weeks, after which KS Rescue Angels hope she will be rehomed. 'The story has blown up so we've had quite a lot of interest from people wanting to adopt her,' said Collins, adding that extensive checks must be carried out. 'We need to make sure that whoever she goes to gives her a five-star home and understands that she's a flight risk.'
CNN
03-06-2025
- General
- CNN
Lost dog returns home after swimming to island in 100-mile trip
A dog who went missing for more than a month and covered about 100 miles - including a mile-long swim - has finally been returned to her foster home after being rescued at sea. Five-year-old Amber bolted in late April, a day after arriving in London from Qatar, where she was rescued from the streets. Sam Collins, co-founder of not-for-profit KS Rescue Angels, told CNN Tuesday that Amber was transferred to an experienced foster family in England's southern New Forest region on April 25. The following morning, Amber escaped from the family's garden, despite the fact they had 8-foot fences surrounding their property. News of Amber's escape was posted on social media and around the local area. Numerous sightings were reported and pictures and video clips sent to the rescue service, which enabled them to map Amber's movements. 'Within the first three weeks she was probably only travelling around 10 miles from where she had gone missing but in different directions,' said Collins. Pictures and video clips that they received enabled KS Rescue Angels to set up cameras and feeding stations. 'We were doing this for three or four weeks and we always seemed to be one step behind her. Then it all went dark around the four-week mark and we stopped getting any reliable sightings.' Collins believes this was probably when Amber travelled 30 miles to the coastal town of Poole. Locals had reported sightings there of a stray dog but it was too far away for anyone to make the connection. Incredibly, Amber managed to swim a mile from the town's affluent neighbourhood of Sandbanks to Brownsea Island. Managed by the National Trust, Brownsea is a wildlife haven where dogs are not usually welcome. 'She spent three days there and there was a search party from the National Trust, as well as a lady who lived there who put food out for her every night. She probably got spooked by all the people trying to catch her so she tried to swim back to Sandbanks but got into trouble when she got caught in the currents and tide,' Collins said. Fortunately, however, Amber was spotted by a passing boat. 'She swam to the boat and actually hooked her paws around the ladder on the side,' said Collins. 'They couldn't pull her up because she had actually hooked her paws so tightly, so one of the lads jumped in the water to get in from behind her and push her into the boat.' Back on dry land, news of the amazing recovery circulated on social media - and eventually reached Collins who recognized Amber from a scar on her nose. Once she was collected, Amber was checked over by a vet who found she had lost weight but was otherwise well. She is now back with the foster family. 'She's been very tired but very snuggly,' said Collins. 'She's got a couple of bruises where she's probably caught herself on barbed wire, thorn bushes or something, but other than that she's in remarkable condition considering. 'She's being kept on at least two, possibly three leads at any time in the garden. The foster home is terrified of her getting out again.' Collins said Amber likely covered about 100 miles during her extended walkies. Amber will remain with the family for at least a couple of weeks, after which KS Rescue Angels hope she will be rehomed. 'The story has blown up so we've had quite a lot of interest from people wanting to adopt her,' said Collins, adding that extensive checks must be carried out. 'We need to make sure that whoever she goes to gives her a five-star home and understands that she's a flight risk.'
