If you’re a fan of the show Black-ish, you might remember an episode from last season that focused on Juneteenth, a significant holiday celebrated primarily by African Americans. Many people, however, are still unfamiliar with this important date.
Juneteenth is a holiday that deserves more recognition, and what better way to learn about it than through Black-ish, a show adept at addressing crucial issues such as race and social justice in a humorous yet insightful manner? In the Season 4 premiere, the twins’ school plans a play about Christopher Columbus, but their father, Mark, is having none of the sanitized version of history. He questions why Juneteenth isn’t part of the curriculum.
In a musical number reminiscent of Hamilton, the cast of Black-ish takes viewers through a brief history of Juneteenth. If you haven’t seen it, you can check out the performance of the song “We Built This,” which highlights how the foundations of this nation were laid by enslaved people. It’s a significant reminder that, despite the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the 13th Amendment in 1865, slavery persisted in the South until Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to inform the remaining enslaved people of their freedom—two and a half years after the official end of slavery.
Juneteenth commemorates this date, marking the true end of slavery in the United States. This raises an important question: Why does America celebrate figures like Columbus, who is often viewed unfavorably, but largely overlooks a day that represents freedom for all?
In the episode, Mark’s son, Tyler, points out the discrepancy: “We celebrate Independence Day for everyone else, but we don’t have a holiday for the end of slavery?” He has a valid point. Many people, including those within the Black community, are unaware of Juneteenth due to the whitewashing of history in school systems.
When Mark mentions Juneteenth to his colleagues, they seem dismissive. “You have MLK Day and Black History Month,” one colleague remarks. While those observances are important, they hardly compensate for the centuries of slavery in just 29 days of recognition. Mark’s wife, Lisa, succinctly states, “Discussing slavery makes white people uneasy, and they tend to avoid uncomfortable topics.”
Black-ish effectively addresses serious subjects in a way that invites conversation without alienating viewers. Juneteenth is often considered the Black equivalent of the Fourth of July. Just as other groups enjoy their independence celebrations, Mark argues that Black Americans deserve the same recognition.
While Mark hopes for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday, I believe it’s vital for African Americans to have a holiday that is distinctly ours. Many existing celebrations have been commercialized and diluted over the years. At the very least, it’s crucial for individuals to understand and educate themselves about this holiday. Knowledge is indeed power.
Next year, I plan to celebrate by enjoying a refreshing strawberry soda—my favorite—and baking some red velvet cupcakes, both of which are common ways to honor this important day. It’s a moment to reflect on the progress made since June 19, 1865, and the work that still lies ahead.
For further reading on related topics, you can visit this blog post, which provides additional insights. If you’re interested in at-home insemination methods, check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit. For information on fertility treatment, UCSF’s IVF resource is an excellent guide.
Summary
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the end of slavery in the United States. Despite its significance, it remains underrecognized compared to other holidays. The show Black-ish highlights this disparity through humor and music, sparking important discussions about race and history.