A Day To Hope and Pray For
In 1526, innocent African men, women, and children were captured by the Portuguese and West African slave traders and put on ships to America. In America, the Africans were separated from their families and forced into slavery. Once sold, the enslaved worked long hours, suffered all types of abuse, and lived in harsh conditions. Many fought to survive, and some even escaped to freedom, while others died in captivity. A day like Juneteenth was one that the enslaved could only hope, dream, and pray for. June 19th holds a remarkable historical, cultural, and spiritual significance for many communities.
Historical Origin of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a day of freedom that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln released the Emancipation Proclamation that declared all slaves a part of the confederate-held territory free. Two years later, Union General Gordon Granger, of the U.S. Army and his troops traveled to Texas to announce a new general order. General Order No. 3 proclaimed that slavery was officially abolished.
Juneteenth symbolizes the day that enslaved African Americans were made aware of their freedom from slavery. This day serves as a remembrance of the enduring struggle for equality and justice. Juneteenth is a day of various cultural celebrations, such as hosting parades and parties full of laughter, dancing, and music. Other groups gather within churches, schools, and neighborhoods to further reflect and pay homage to African American communities’ resilience, heritage, and pride.
Aftermath Traumas of Slavery
Gathering in the community to celebrate Juneteenth serves as a great way for individuals to discuss the strong emotions and feelings that may arise during the day. The aftermath of slavery and systemic racism has had an intense effect on the mental well-being of African Americans. During the times of slavery, they experienced abuse, racial violence, segregation, discrimination, and marginalization. Exposure to these harsh circumstances has left behind a byproduct of intergenerational trauma, psychological distress, and many other mental health disparities. The effects of historical trauma can manifest in various forms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even low self-esteem. Because of insufficient access to culturally competent mental health care, countless individuals grapple in silence, clueless about how to seek help and healing for the traumas they face.
Nevertheless, the day of Juneteenth catalyzes healing and reconciliation, challenging individuals and communities to confront the wounds that slavery has caused. Juneteenth provides a space for mental and emotional healing. On this day, African Americans are acknowledged and honored for their historical struggles and conquests of the past. Their culture is uplifted and celebrated through community service, education panels, storytelling, and faith services. Through advocacy and activism toward racial reform, individuals can establish and help others find a sense of identity and belonging. This can bring forth empowerment and foundational aspects needed to reach emotional and mental healing.
How Christianity Plays A Role In Celebrating Juneteenth
Christian faith communities have historically played a crucial role in providing social support, spiritual guidance, and mental health resources. Churches and other religious institutions can provide comfort for those affected by historical trauma and contemporary challenges. Christian communities can help address mental health needs and promote holistic well-being throughout the celebration of Juneteenth. Religious leaders can seek help from outside communities to integrate mental health education, awareness, and support services into their ministries. This can serve as a source of hope and inspiration for individuals battling with the mental health challenges of intergenerational and past traumas.
Christianity and the Liberation of A New Day
Micha 6:8 explains what God expects from his people. He wants us to love our neighbor like we love ourselves through seeking justice, being kind, and showing humility. Christianity’s call to live like God resonates with the values of Juneteenth and the broader movement for social justice and liberation. Throughout the celebration of Juneteenth, faith-based organizations can encourage advocacy toward social injustice issues. Leaders can also establish community partnerships with people who are passionate about breaking down systemic barriers to mental health care, systemic racism, and inequality that still exist today.
The Christian faith has provided spiritual sustenance, moral guidance, and a framework for social justice advocacy. The equivalence between biblical narratives of liberation and the African American experience of slavery and liberation has been deeply resonant within Christian communities. After the Ten Plagues, God directed Moses to lead the Exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt across the Red Sea and into the promised land. This story in the Bible can help deliverance and comfort for those who struggle with feelings of past trauma, oppression, and hopelessness.
The Book of Exodus correlates with Juneteenth and why we celebrate the day. Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the many battles African Americans faced and how they finally received the freedom and rights they deserved. Juneteenth symbolizes a new day of hope and liberation for enslaved people. The themes of liberation, justice, and the pursuit of a promised land resonate deeply with the African American struggle for freedom and equality. As Christians reflect on the message of Juneteenth, they are challenged to confront systemic injustices, advocate for the rights of the marginalized, and work towards a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
A Day Cherished For Forever
“The Father of Juneteenth,” Al Edwards, described Juneteenth as a day of “source of strength” for young people. In the earlier days of Juneteenth, the day was used by the freed slaves to search for lost family members, teach their children about self-empowerment, and uplift each other within the progress made by freedom. The no longer enslaved individuals did these things by learning how to read and understand the Emancipation Proclamation, by holding religious ceremonies, hosting barbeques, playing games, and forming new traditions.
Today, African Americans abide by some of those same traditions as Juneteenth approaches and is celebrated. In the modern world today, African Americans still fight for justice, racial equality, and racial reform. They also fight to help individuals who struggle mentally and emotionally with the scars left by years of discrimination and oppression. Juneteenth continues to inspire hope, unity, and a shared commitment to building a more just, equitable, and mentally healthy society for all.
