Independence For All . . . Eventually
By 
The Fourth of July is upon us, and folks across the nation are celebrating with fireworks and barbecues. Black folk are joining in the festivities too – we love us some barbecue. All in celebration of independence. But independence for whom?
Oh yes, the forefathers’ independence from the British, the oppressors. And just whose forefathers are we talking about? My people were picking cotton in the fields, or slaving in the masters’ homes on that first momentous Fourth of July. For them, it was just a work day like any other. Independence was not a part of their vocabulary.
When I think of independence, Abraham Lincoln comes to mind, with his Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves. September 22, 1862, now that’s an occasion worthy of barbecue in my book.
But just last week, many Black folk participated in a celebration that I had not heard of until well into my adulthood: Juneteenth, commemorating June 19th, 1865. Historically, despite the 1862 Emancipation, slavery persisted in some parts of the South. On June l9, l865, Texas officially abolished slavery, and for Blacks throughout the South, this symbol of true freedom became an occasion for celebration, hence, Juneteenth.
Today, across the country, Blacks gather in parades, street fairs and artistic performances. The event may be commemorated with a public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing (the Black National Anthem), or reading from African American authors. Safety Harbor’s own Frederick Hayes was featured in such a celebration.
Well, it’s 2015, and there’s no doubt about it. Regardless of our forefathers, and the array of historical dates, we’re all free now. So having paid homage to my people on Juneteenth, I’m ready for the Fourth of July barbecue. See you there!
Amy Bryant
Author of You CAN Go Home Again
Check out my e-book on Amazon: http://amzn.to/U3NfzG
Amy,
I’m sorry I missed the first read of this at writers group! This is beautiful. Happy 4th of July AND Happy Juneteenth! See you Monday.
Thanks, Nicole. Happiness back atcha!
Amy, thanks for sharing this important holiday with us and for illustrating your essay with Frederick’s vibrant photograph.
My pleasure. Frederick is a Safety Harbor treasure.
Amy – I don’t know how you do it. Your blogs are always interesting, always offer some new insights (for me) and even if they make me somewhat uncomfortable sometimes, they are always positive and conciliatory at the end. Thank you!
Thanks, Gisela. You always capture the intent of my blogs.
Thank you Amy for including me in your blog. I had a great time that day. Largely due to your push to motivate me to perform. As you know I was really feeling bad the earlier of that week and was planning to cancel. But said to me “Do it ” ! and it was done. Afterwards I felt like a 5 year old at Christmas. Thank you for your spirit.
So happy my little nudge helped get you going. You are an awesome performer!