CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- The time crunch is on! Nominate your favorite Black-owned business in Champaign-Urbana by Friday, June 7, to be featured in Chambana Today.
To celebrate Juneteenth, we invite you to nominate a Black-owned businesses in Champaign-Urbana. We have partnered with our sister radio station, The Vibe 97.9 to recognize five outstanding local businesses and their valuable contributions to our community in the lead-up to Juneteenth. Each selected business will be honored with a special article here at Chambana Today and a dedicated radio schedule on the Vibe 97.9 throughout the month of June.
To nominate a business click here.
In 2021, President Joseph Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, officially establishing a holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The act became law, and the holiday was celebrated just two days later.
As the United States gears up to celebrate its third official Juneteenth holiday, let’s dive into what this day truly represents.
Origins of Juneteenth National Independence Day
The roots of Juneteenth trace back to June 19, 1865. Despite the Confederate forces surrendering months earlier, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX, were still unaware of their freedom. It wasn’t until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston and announced that slavery had been abolished and the Civil War was over that these individuals learned they were free. This momentous event occurred more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of enslaved people across the country.
Initially, Juneteenth was a regional celebration observed locally each year. It became a state holiday in Texas in 1980 and gradually gained recognition in other states. Finally, in 2021, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday, cementing its importance in American history. It’s imperative to note that while Juneteenth marks the date slavery was abolished, not all enslaved individuals in America were freed immediately, including Black and Indigenous slaves.
Observing Juneteenth: Federal and Private Sector Practices
Due to federal law, federal businesses close their doors for Juneteenth. Private businesses, however, have the option to either close or remain open. Some may offer a floating holiday to employees who wish to observe Juneteenth. Celebrations vary widely across the country, reflecting the diverse ways in which Americans honor this significant day.
How Americans Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth celebrations are as varied as the people who observe them. In some states, parades fill the streets with vibrant displays of culture and history. Families and friends gather to play games, enjoy delicious food, and partake in other fun activities. Public readings or church services relevant to the holiday are also common, providing a space for reflection and education.
As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, let’s remember the significance of this day and the journey toward freedom and equality that it represents. Whether through parades, family gatherings, or quiet reflection, Juneteenth is a time to honor the past and look forward to a future of continued progress.