When many people think of official holidays, usually the Fourth of July, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day and Labor Day are the first that come to mind.
However, many people still are not familiar with Juneteenth, another state-sanctioned holiday, although it marks one of the most important days in history: When the U.S. finally committed itself, at least officially, to being a nation of freedom.
This weekend, those in Indianapolis can have fun, excitement and empowerment as they celebrate Juneteenth during the Indiana State Museum’s Juneteenth Festival on June 23.
“This festival is an opportunity for us to engage all Hoosiers as we celebrate our common bond of freedom,” said Bruce Williams, director of multicultural audiences for the Indiana State Museum.
The festival, which is free, will give guests a unique chance to celebrate African-American freedom, faith and achievement with special music guests, theatrical performances, arts and crafts, engaging family activities and tips on getting in greater touch with your family’s heritage.
Families will also be able to benefit from services offered at an information fair hosted by various community organizations, advice from experts at the “Genealogy 101” program and a special picnic with classic favorites such as ribs, baked beans, cole slaw and spaghetti.
“Historically, Juneteenth celebrations have included a picnic, and we wanted to continue that theme with our own,” Williams said.
This year’s Juneteenth Festival will open with a special kickoff program at 10 a.m. hosted by WISH-TV (Channel 8) anchor Deanna Dewberry. The program will feature special guests such as national gospel recording artists Lamar Campbell and Spirit of Praise, popular vocalist Staci McCrackin, Khabir the Storyteller, City-County Councilor Vop Osili and retiring state Rep. Bill Crawford, Indiana’s longest serving African-American legislator, who was very instrumental in getting Juneteenth adopted as a holiday in the state.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, also known by some as Emancipation Day, is a U.S. holiday honoring African-American heritage by remembering the announcement made in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the Civil War had ended and all slaves had been freed by an executive order by President Abraham Lincoln. Since then, various Juneteenth celebrations have been held in different cities every year.
Within the last 20 years, many states have recognized Juneteenth as an official holiday. In 2010, Indiana became the 34th state to recognize it.
“Even though slavery was a dark part of African-American history, Juneteenth is an important celebration that can help us always remember our past as we move toward our future,” Williams said.
Thomas Griffin, co-chair of the Juneteenth Festival, said he is amazed at how little is known about the holiday, even among Blacks.
“We as a society have done a terrible job of giving our history,” said Griffin, who is also a popular announcer with Radio One and president of the Indianapolis Chapter of Indiana Black Expo. “This is probably one of the most historical dates in the Black experience.”
Griffin added that many Blacks seem hesitant to talk about their past, although other cultural groups never shy away from discussing lessons of their collective experiences, such as Jews with the Holocaust, Armenians and the genocide they faced by the Turks during World War I, and Native Americans with the stealing of their land.
“With this festival, we want to enlighten people,” Griffin said. “Let’s be honest, slavery is one of those things in our history that has really been swept under the rug. We must, however, never forget its true impact on this country and our growth since then because it is not a Black thing or a white thing, it is an American thing.”
Fun with your heritage
What: Juneteenth Festival
Where: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
When: June 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information and a full listing of the day’s activities, call (317) 232-1637 or visit indianamuseum.org.
Other Juneteenth observances
* Bloomington – Indiana University’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center hosted its 14th Juneteenth Commemoration. Stephanie Power-Carter, director of the center, said, “The question today is how has the meaning of freedom changed and evolved? Are we truly free?”
* Columbus – Juneteenth will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 23 at the Riverview Vista Shelter at Mill Race Park. Activities will include music, food and games.
* South Bend – The community and its Indiana Black Expo chapter celebrated Juneteenth with festivities at LaSalle Park. Mayor Pete Buttigieg proclaimed June 16 as Juneteenth in the city, saying, “This is an important way to remind ourselves of the history, the good and the bad. About how promises can be broken, but also how freedom finds a way.”
