Juneteenth

Internet image.

 For the first time, I have June 19th off work to honor Juneteenth.

 It recognizes the day in 1865 when Union troops landed in Galveston, Texas to announce the Civil War was over and all slaves were free.

 While the end of slavery has been celebrated on some level since the end of the Civil War, it only became a Federal holiday in 2021. Where I work, we've always used paid time off (PTO) to decide which days we wouldn't work until this year. 

In 2024, employees are given the day off on 8 Federal Holidays and a floating holiday to be used on the day of our choice. To compensate for the 74 hours off we didn't have to use PTO, we earn less time off on every paycheck. 

One of the things I appreciate about Juneteenth is it will be celebrated on the actual day. When we lived in South Dakota, the state recognized Memorial Day on May 30 every year, not the last Monday of the month. It seems more meaningful to recognize the day's importance than an extra day of the weekend.

It's a good idea and long-overdue to honor this Freedom Day. I believe freedom is a gift of God and anything that prevents or hinders it is wrong. Taking freedom away happened because of sin; it takes people of courage and honor to fight injustice.

It's an on-going struggle, education is necessary. In Madison today, ground will be broken on the Center for Black Excellence and Culture.  It's expected to open by the end of 2025. I look forward to visiting. 

According to one online source, Juneteenth is commemorated with parades, events, and meals of red food and drink (hibiscus tea, watermelon, strawberry shortcake, red beans and rice, red velvet cake, and strawberry soda).

Happy Juneteenth!