<ul class="summary-list"><li>Prior to federal status, companies like Nike, Spotify, and Target gave employees <keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> off.</li><li>Insider's Grace O'Connell-Joshua writes that without advocacy, gestures are performative <keyword id="761056" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Activism">activism</keyword>.</li><li>She writes honoring Juneteenth means passing voting rights, policing and economic legislation.</li></ul>Old Navy <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/marketing-pr/old-navy-suspends-its-juneteenth-campaign">faced backlash last month</a> after a leaked pitch email was sent to 300 Black influencers soliciting them to engage their large following with an upcoming Juneteenth campaign. Influencers were asked to post themselves in branded, Juneteenth T-shirts, which they were required to purchase on their own. Related Article Module: The history of Juneteenth, which just became a federal holiday after 156 yearsThe company offered them a $450 payment in exchange for their sponsored posts, a much lower rate for similar projects offered to white influencers. After facing backlash for low-balling Black talent, Old Navy suspended their campaign, They are yet to continue their Juneteenth T-shirt sale. The Gap Inc.-owned brand certainly isn't the first to turn Juneeteenth into a marketing campaign idea instead of a celebration of Black liberation and freedom for all.How could we forget the flurry of black squares and black fist emojis posted during last summer's protests? <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/06/10/blacklivesmatter-surges-on-twitter-after-george-floyds-death/">The Pew Research Center </a>found that millions more took to social media, using the hashtags #BlackLivesMatter and #DefundThePolice to voice support for the movement.Posts were just shared by coworkers and friends, but by corporations aimed at a public statement that they value Black lives as well as Black dollars. Or at the very least appear that they do. <h2>Companies banked big on Black bucks in wake of 2020's unrest</h2><div type="image" title="nba blm warm ups.JPG" height="1665" width="2220" msid="83679532" hostid="261"></div>Following the murder of George Floyd in May of last year, companies like Nike, Spotify, Lyft, Target and the NFL made the decision to make 'Juneteenth' or June 19th - the day 155 years ago that African Americans in Texas learned they were free from slavery - a company holiday.Before becoming a <a href="https://www.insider.com/congress-voted-to-make-juneteenth-federal-holiday-heres-why-it-took-decades-2021-6">federally recognized holiday this week</a>, other companies like Twitter had even gone to the step of making it a paid holiday for all employees.It only took corporate America 155 years, but finally they started to talk about race and take a public stand on <keyword id="112438" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="social-justice">social justice</keyword> issues, even more now as the nation adopts a decades-long African-American holiday for jubilation. While posting hashtags on their social pages or giving employees the day off for Juneteenth is a start, it hardly shows any concrete, authentic efforts to solve the problems plaguing Black Americans. What cannot be ignored is the background in which this shift occurs. Black Americans are<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/racial-ethnic-disparities/disparities-deaths.html"> dying of Covid-19 at a disproportionate rate</a> compared to their white counterparts. Massive unemployment left more Black Americans jobless than any other group during the pandemic. Black businesses have closed at a higher rate than whites.Throughout it all, viral videos of Black people being hunted down, kneed on, or shot in their sleep have dominated the media and ignited protests for racial justice in nearly every major U.S. city as well as around the world. The social landscape is shifting, drastically. So what other choice did these companies have?Consumers are no longer okay with giving their money to companies that do not align with their social views, especially when it comes to race. As 2020 ignited a social and racial reckoning in America, corporations learned saying nothing or doing nothing in acknowledgment of the movement for Black lives could lead to consumers taking their money to small businesses that did. So was it a sudden epiphany that these companies collectively decided that Black issues were worth discussing or did they just see dollar signs?<h2>It's performative activism. </h2>Related Article Module: Businesses bet on Black culture amid demands for racial justice. Now experts warn Juneteenth is next to be whitewashed.Performative activism is exactly that when an influencer shows up to a protest for a selfie, holding a sign that reads "silence is violence" to throw up on an IG feed, before grabbing brunch. Or posting a photo of a James Baldwin novel that ends up collecting dust."You have this social approval that comes with posting - we conflate likes and views and follows with value," Jordi Bertrán Ramirez, who organized protests at Harvard and Yale during the summer of 2020, told reporters on the podcast "<a href="https://soundcloud.com/ydnpodcast/full-disclosure-activism-beyond-the-performance?utm_source=yaledailynews.com&amp;utm_campaign=wtshare&amp;utm_medium=widget&amp;utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fydnpodcast%252Ffull-disclosure-activism-beyond-the-performance-performance">Full Disclosure</a>.""So even with people who are of the best intentions, you're trying to play this game, this algorithm, of social media, while trying to promote something that is inherently not individualistic," he added. For influencers, that's the thin line between performative allyship and actual progress: marking their intentions or centering themselves in a movement not meant for them. Without accountability, they're free to go back to ignoring harmful microaggressions, trendy appropriation and feigned empathy for the everyday experiences of Black people. While the acknowledgement of Juneteenth federally is a welcome first step toward racial reckoning in terms of policy, for corporations, how many people are helped by the posting of a Black square, or giving their employees the day off? <blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1405350374219911168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2021</a></blockquote>These types of virtue signals clearly intended on maintaining capital and cultural relevance are not the types of changes Black people wanted to see as a result of the summer of 2020. Addressing police brutality, ending mass incarceration, reparations, tackling the economic disparities, fixing public housing - dismantling inherently racist institutions in America is Black people want.This Juneteenth should be about the liberation of Black people in America, the celebration of progress in civil rights. That means centering those who have given their lives to fighting for racial equality. It should mean passing the For the People Act on voting rights, with Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia getting out of the way of progress. Celebrating Juneteenth should mean an end to the disenfranchisement of Black people - not an Instagram graphic, or any other bare minimum, performative gesture to hold on to capital.

This Juneteenth, spare Black people your performative allyship

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Corporations are turning attention to <keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword>, a holiday commemorating the end of US slavery</li><li>Some companies gave employess the day off or a 'day of reflection' before becoming a federal holiday</li><li>Consumers have called for more <keyword id="3864760" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="diversity-and-inclusion">diversity and inclusion</keyword> for employees of color in the workforce</li></ul><ul class="summary-list"></ul>Juneteenth is one of the oldest public commemorations of the end of slavery in the US. Also called Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, or Liberation Day, Juneteenth is recognized annually on June 19 and has been celebrated by many Black Americans, starting back in <a href="https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44865.pdf">Texas in 1866</a>. The date marks when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned from Major General Gordon Granger in 1865 that they had been freed two years prior, under the Emancipation Proclamation outlawing US slavery signed by President Abraham Lincoln signed on January 1, 1863.The movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday gained momentum in 2020, moving to the forefront of mainstream conversation on the heels of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on Memorial Day. Floyd's killing sparked national and global Black Lives Matter protests calling out racial injustice and police brutality against Black Americans. As a response, a number of large companies announced a plethora of ways they would commemorate the day, including giving their employees paid time off, as a way to show solidarity with the Black community. "To celebrate Juneteenth is to know Black history, and it's also to know American history," Dalana Brand, Twitter's vice president of people experience and head of inclusion and diversity, told Insider. Some companies, such as Google didn't give their employees time off last year but instead used the day for learning and reflection. Others like Altria announced a company-wide <a href="https://investor.altria.com/press-releases/news-details/2020/Altria-Announces-Five-Million-Dollar-Donation-to-Fight-Racial-Inequality/default.aspx">paid "Day of Healing</a>." Fiat Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford Motor had a moment of silence. Droves of major companies turning their attention to a holiday African Americans have been advocating for over the years was no coincidence.<h2>Consumers have called diversity and inclusion marginalized groups in the workforce</h2><div type="image" title="black lives matter protests cnn building atlanta" height="1000" width="1333" msid="83648617" hostid="261"></div>Over the years, the public has been calling for more diversity and inclusion, and more opportunities for marginalized people in the workforce. Women and minorities are still underrepresented in leadership positions and at least 85% of top executive positions are held by white people, according to a <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/11/companies-are-making-bold-promises-about-greater-diversity-theres-a-long-way-to-go.html">report</a> on CNBC. Businesses like Amazon and Microsoft have been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/24/technology/amazon-racial-inequality.html">called out</a> for their lack of diversity and systematic racism, even during a time when Black people were being <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/06/07/black-lives-matters-police-departments-have-long-history-racism/3128167001/">consistently brutalized</a>. Social media also <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/companies-black-lives-matter-workforce-scrutiny-amazon-microsoft-nike-adidas/">played a key role</a> in pushing businesses that still had fewer people of color on their boards, C-suites, and the rest of the workplace. As the fight for racial justice came to a head in 2020, tired<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-anti-racist-actions-workers-want-their-ceos-take-2020-7"> Americans began taking a stance</a> against companies and Juneteenth was right around the corner. Twitter and Square became some of <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1270448639622524928">the first of the larger companies to announce</a> they would make Juneteenth a paid holiday, a trend that was quickly followed by other companies such as Mastercard, Nike, Spotify, NFL, Target, and Best Buy. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/twitter-square-make-juneteenth-june-19-permanent-company-holiday-2020-6">CEO Jack Dorsey announced</a> at the time that they would make Juneteenth a permanent company holiday for "celebration, education, and connection". <h2>Executives tell Insider making Juneteenth a company holiday is essential for racial equality</h2>On Juneteenth 2020, the company used the day to <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1274087687469715457?s=20">elevate Black voices and their Tweets</a> as a means of celebrating and educating people on Black joy, Brand said, by erecting billboards throughout cities that were at the center of the Black Lives Matter movement. "If you can change people's hearts and minds to accept at their core that all people should be treated equally and deserve the same opportunities in life," Brand told Insider. "You can address so many of the social justice issues we face today like racism, oppression, poverty, etc." Brand added that Twitter has always been a place that grows community partnerships and fosters open conversations, which made it easy for them to immediately put support systems in place after the tragic events last year. "What was reinforced for us through this process, is that you can't start conversations and decide to show support when tragic events strike," she said. "You have to be committed to putting in the work in good times and bad. The deep community partnerships and our internal business resource groups allowed us to be there for each other and strengthen as a community."Twitter is one of a few companies that have been publicly making commitments to increase diversity in its company. Earlier this year, after the release of its <a href="https://careers.twitter.com/en/diversity.html#item2">diversity and inclusion report</a>, the company made a commitment to increase <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/18/twitter-pledges-to-increase.html">its number of minority and women executives by 2025</a>. About <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/313585/twitter-employee-ethnicity-us/">6.5%</a> of Twitter employees are Black while 41% are white. <blockquote class="pullquote-wrapper"><q class="pullquote-quotation">You can't start conversations and decide to show support when tragic events strike. You have to be committed to putting in the work in good times and bad.</q> <cite class="pullquote-source">Dalana Brand, Twitter</cite></blockquote>Even big-box companies began to face intense scrutiny last year about the lack of racial diversity in their workforce amidst the visible and vocal Black Lives Matter movement. Best Buy is another company that saw an opportunity to address its less vocal stance on racial injustice in the US, and last June <a href="https://corporate.bestbuy.com/a-note-from-best-buys-ceo-we-will-do-better/">vowed to do better</a>.Last Juneteenth Best Buy used the day as a "<a href="https://corporate.bestbuy.com/best-buy-announces-plans-for-juneteenth-election-day/">paid volunteer day</a>," deciding to introduce an annual holiday for employees from 2021. The company made the choice to begin the paid holiday this year instead as a result of the changes being made only a few days before June 19 in 2020. Mark Irvin, chief inclusion, diversity, and talent officer, told Insider, "Juneteenth has long been an important day for the Black American community, but it hasn't had the awareness or recognition it deserves among the other holidays we celebrate.""With this in mind," he continued, "it's really important for us to recognize its significance with our employees and offer them an opportunity to celebrate, reflect or give back."<h2>Companies told Insider Juneteenth is just one step toward racial equity in the workforce</h2><div type="image" title="BLM" height="658" width="877" msid="83648621" hostid="261"></div>Juneteenth was just one step to addressing racial inequality. By August, the company <a href="https://corporate.bestbuy.com/best-buy-sets-ambitious-goal-for-hiring-diverse-tech-talent/">announced</a> that they were committed to hiring more diverse employees to their technology team over the next two years - specifically Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and women.Best Buy also announced <a href="https://corporate.bestbuy.com/best-buy-commits-more-than-44-million-to-diversity-inclusion-and-community-efforts/">a five-year plan</a> that includes filling one out of three new non-hourly corporate positions with BIPOC employees and filling one out of three new, non-hourly field roles with women."We know it's incredibly important to our employees, customers, and communities to show that we are committed to doing all we can to further economic and social justice," Corie said in a <a href="https://corporate.bestbuy.com/best-buy-commits-more-than-44-million-to-diversity-inclusion-and-community-efforts/">statement</a>. "In many ways, we have engaged in these issues for years - but now we're being bold about our commitments to hold ourselves accountable for this work we've promised to do." Corporate social responsibility in the form of addressing racial injustice offline and online is at the forefront of company agendas in the coming years. With Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, companies won't be able to use this platform to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion by selectively providing employees with paid time off. As consumers continue to become more vocal about their needs from companies, and boycotts and racial activism increase, companies are often <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/green-living-blog/2012/jul/06/activism-nike">forced to change directions</a>.

From Twitter to Best Buy, brands are tapped into Juneteenth. Companies look to the holiday to advance racial justice

<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/juneteenth-jubilee"></a><div type="image" title="Protesters in Brooklyn, New York, with a Juneteenth banner." height="3316" width="4974" msid="83622380" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>A 2020 poll found 45% of Americans said they didn't know anything about <keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> before that year.</li><li>Protests pushed consumers to hold corporations responsible for their marketing to Black communities.</li><li>A different survey found 62% of Black consumers said US institutions reinforced racial inequalities.</li></ul>The world mourned after witnessing the murder of George Floyd.Protesters quickly took to the streets, but the racial unrest in late May and June of last year was only the beginning of a larger conversation the country would hold about systemic racism. Black communities called out racial violence and discrimination in workplaces, and neighborhoods, and schools - where American education often leaves out their history.Demands for change also came with calls for corporate reckoning.Black consumers began demanding that multimillion-dollar private corporations and public institutions take accountability for their part in systemic discrimination.Major corporations courted these same consumers by using Juneteenth, a once relatively unknown holiday that gained wider recognition in the aftermath of Floyd's death and on Thursday became a US federal holiday.Critics, however, say the new corporate support is just a repeat of political powers using holidays for consumption rather than education."I remember the fight for Martin Luther King Day over the years, and now this is a sales day," Earl Fowlkes, the president of the Center of Black Equity, told Insider."Juneteenth is another opportunity for businesses to sell to Black folks and wrap it up," he added.<h2>Prior to 2020, companies seldom marketed to Black consumers for Juneteenth</h2><div type="image" title="Two people with a Juneteenth banner during a parade in Milwaukee." height="1204" width="1606" msid="83622386" hostid="261"></div>Few Americans outside Black communities knew much about Juneteenth, the June 19 holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the US, before last year. Forty-five percent of Americans polled June 21-23 of last year by <a href="https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/articles-reports/2020/06/24/most-americans-support-making-juneteenth-holiday">YouGov and The Economist</a> said they first learned about it in 2020, while another 12% said they'd still never learned about it.In the same poll, 59% of respondents said they believed it should become a national federal holiday. That goal came to fruition Thursday when President Joe Biden signed into law a bill passed by Congress this week. Because Juneteenth this year falls on a Saturday, it was observed for the first time as a national holiday Friday.Companies surely see the potential to court the Black community's $1.2 trillion annual spending power."It is the commercial world adjusting itself to continue to attract as many Black consumers as possible,'' Jared Ball, a professor at Morgan State University who wrote the book "The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power," told Insider.While accounting for only 14% of the US population, Black consumers have outsize spending power in product categories as varied as feminine hygiene and refrigerated drinks, a 2018 <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2018/black-impact-consumer-categories-where-african-americans-move-markets/">Nielsen</a> report found.<blockquote class="pullquote-wrapper"><q class="pullquote-quotation">It's great that we are being marketed to, but are these companies hiring us, are these companies contributing to our historically Black colleges and universities? Are you recruiting our people?</q> <cite class="pullquote-source">Earl Fowlkes, president of the Center of Black Equity</cite></blockquote>Critics like Ball, however, argue this buying power does always equal the political power needed to start real change. He points to the rush of Juneteenth advertising as examples of companies trying "to protect themselves as a class from a potential uprising, from more potential criticism coming from Black communities about the relationship that businesses have to Black communities."In a study conducted by the <a href="https://www.collagegroup.com/2020/06/23/juneteenth-2020-what-black-consumers-expect-of-brands-and-corporations-today/">Collage Group</a>, 62% of Black consumers responded that America's institutions were responsible for both maintaining and reinforcing racial inequalities.And 72% of Black respondents said companies needed to put more pressure on local and state governments.In total, companies have pledged $50 billion toward racial equity since Floyd's murder, according to a recent study conducted by Creative Investment Research.But skeptics question how these pledges will be used to make real change for Black communities."It's great that we are being marketed to," Fowlkes said. "But are these companies hiring us, are these companies contributing to our historically Black colleges and universities? Are you recruiting our people?"<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1405640547012857857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2021</a></blockquote>Major corporations like Nike, Twitter, Google, and others all announced that Juneteenth would be a corporate holiday, with others like Netflix sharing <a href="https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-inclusion-report-2021">new diversity reports</a> that included initiatives to support staff members from marginalized backgrounds in light of the conversation sparked by Black consumers.But Fowlkes simply wants to know "are they contributing to the neighborhood?""Ultimately that's going to be the way that we teach these businesses how to market to us," he said. "It's not just having some nice commercials for the community."<h2>Critics told Insider that Juneteenth ads weren't enough to address racial inequality in the US</h2><div type="image" title="People put their fists in the air near the White House while celebrating the Juneteenth holiday in 2020." height="853" width="1138" msid="83622389" hostid="261"></div>Corporations made grand commitments that promised the start of change, but already many haven't proved they have lived up to their word.Of the $50 billion pledged, only $250 million has been spent or committed to a specific initiative. Influencers have even been <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tanyachen/influencers-its-a-privilege-to-post-a-black-square-and-then">accused of discreetly removing black squares</a> from their timelines - which various people on the internet had adopted last year as a show of support - after <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="news">news</keyword> around the protests began to die down.As a result of what many have called performative allyship and corporate co-opting of Juneteenth, many notable figures have pushed Black consumers to use their buying power to directly support Black-owned businesses.But while Black consumerism is being directed toward marginalized businesses, some activists say it still isn't enough. "None of these actions will address the inequality that Black people continue to suffer," Ball told Insider. "That inequality is not borne out of financial literacy or illiteracy, shopping or consumption habits."Juneteenth represents the resilience of a people once deemed not human and whose unpaid labor was used to build the foundation of the United States.As the holiday transitions from a community gathering among the newly freed to a federal holiday with company paid-time off, travel, and retail sales, Fowlkes says the commodification of liberation does not help the movement."There are elected officials who don't support many of the things that are important to Black folks, yet they're willing to push Juneteenth through," he said, cautioning that, in the end, the image of solidarity becomes a tool of capitalist conquest at the expense of a culture that has already been deprived of basic human rights.

Businesses bet on Black culture amid demands for racial justice. Now experts warn Juneteenth is next to be whitewashed.

<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/juneteenth-jubilee"><div type="image" title="Juneteenth banner" height="300" width="2400" msid="83622171" hostid="261"></div></a><ul class="summary-list"><li>President Biden establishes <keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> as a federal holiday. </li><li>Representative Sheila Jackson Lee pushed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act after the killing of George Floyd in 2020.</li><li>It's the 12th legal public holiday in the U.S., the first since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983. </li></ul>Juneteenth National Independence Day is the United State's newest federal holiday. But it took over 150 years to get to this point. We explain how we got here. While the origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19th, 1865, technically, the end of slavery came more than two years earlier in 1863. It was after President Abraham Lincoln signed the <a href="https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals_iv/sections/preliminary_emancipation_proclamation.html">Emancipation Proclamation</a>. <div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="925" width="1233" msid="83622172" hostid="261"></div>But places still under Confederate control didn't acknowledge the decree. Slaveholders migrated to the deep south as a way to keep their property and by 1865, there were more than <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/">250,000 enslaved people in Texas</a>. On June 19th, <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/abolition-of-slavery-announced-in-texas-juneteenth">union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas</a> to take command of 2,000 federal troops. As they marched, Union soldiers read "General Order Number 3" aloud, which declared all slaves free. The moment marked the original Juneteenth, which would be celebrated for years to com. Celebrations began shortly after 1865 in Galveston, but picked up steam <a href="https://sites.utexas.edu/utldiversityactioncommittee/2020/06/17/juneteenth-celebrating-liberation/">Austin, Texas in the 1900s</a>. The city held some of the first documented celebrations.<div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="525" width="700" msid="83622173" hostid="261"></div>Photos from 1905 show African Americans parading down streets in Richmond, Virginia, a state with a long history of slave trade. <div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="1167" width="1556" msid="83622174" hostid="261"></div>People decorated floats for Juneteenth festivities in 1906 in Houston. <div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="500" width="666" msid="83622175" hostid="261"></div>But around the same time, former Confederate states began passing Jim Crow laws. Which made it difficult for Black people to congregate. Byt the 1930s, the <a href="https://dallaslibrary2.org/blogs/bookedSolid/2019/06/juneteenth-a-brief-but-thorough-history/#:~:text=In%201936%2C%20150%2C000%20to%20200%2C000,foods%2C%20rides%2C%20and%20entertainment.">Texas State Fair</a> reinvigorated celebrations in the south. It served as a well-known, but still segregated, meeting spot for festivities. Decades later, Texas became the first to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1980. Then came Florida in 1991 and Oklahoma in 1994. By 1997, Juneteenth had its own flag. <div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="699" width="932" msid="83622176" hostid="261"></div>The white star represents Texas, the "Lone Star State," <a href="https://www.galvestonhistory.org/news/juneteenth-and-general-order-no-3">where slaves were the last to find out they were free</a>. And its patriotic colors are a reminder that slaves and their descendants are all Americans. By the 21st century, communities across America were celebrating Juneteenth.<div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="1080" width="1440" msid="83622177" hostid="261"></div>"Historically when we think about holidays, like the 4th of July, [it] clearly that wasn't for black people," said Andrea Benjamin, an African American Studies professor at the University of Oklahoma. "I think Juneteenth has sort of come in and is a substitute day for black people to really celebrate our experience in the country."<div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="1080" width="1440" msid="83622178" hostid="261"></div>The black lives matter movement brought national attention to holiday in the summer of 2020. For the first time, companies like Nike, Twitter, and Uber gave employees a paid day off to commemorate Juneteenth. President Biden made Juneteenth the nation's 12th federal holiday this year. It comes after House member Sheila Jackson Lee first introduced the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2020. After 156 years, Juneteenth celebrations nationwide are here to stay. <div type="image" title="Juneteenth" height="1080" width="1440" msid="83622179" hostid="261"></div>

A look at the history that made Juneteenth a federal holiday after 156 years

<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/juneteenth-jubilee"></a><div type="image" title="Junteenth march" height="1379" width="1838" msid="83608965" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> was a holiday in 47 states for years and for over 40 years in Texas where it started.</li><li>This week <keyword id="1575" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Congress">Congress</keyword> passed a Juneteenth bill, leaving just the president's signature to make the federal holiday official</li><li>Attempts to make it a permanent federal holiday have been repeatedly shut down by political debates</li></ul>To many Black Americans, Juneteenth holds far more historical and cultural significance than other official holidays. Often called Emancipation Day, or Freedom Day, Juneteenth is a symbol of both generational trauma and progress in America from its long history of slavery. Although 47 states and the District of Columbia already recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, efforts at federal recognition have stalled in Congress year after year, until now.After years of pushback from Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, who "objected to the cost and lack of debate," the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act gained bipartisan <a href="https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/(2.25.2021)%20Juneteenth%20Final%20Bill.pdf">support</a>, with over 50 co-sponsors of the bill in Congress. On Tuesday the bill passed unanimously in the Senate and again in the House vote 415-14 on Wednesday. The bill now awaits President Joe Biden's signature.While momentum for the holiday grew in the last year of racial unrest, the campaign for Juneteenth to be a federal holiday is nothing new.<h2>Simple process with complicated <keyword id="6358883" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="politics">politics</keyword></h2>Currently, there are 10 <a href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=2021">paid holidays</a> for federal employees. These permanent holidays came about through a mix of years (sometimes decades) of petitioning by congress members and one-time executive orders that were eventually signed into law. Only four have been added to the federal calendar in the past 100 years, the last being Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Senator Johnson, and many other opponents' opposition to the bill, pinpoint the cost of creating a federal holiday."While it still seems strange that having taxpayers provide federal employees paid time off is now required to celebrate the end of slavery, it is clear that there is no appetite in Congress to further discuss the matter," Johnson said in a <a href="https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2021/6/senator-johnson-statement-on-juneteenth">statement</a> on Tuesday.But history <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/business-july-dec01-labor_day_9-2">suggests</a> that they depend more on the amount of political pressure, convenience, and willpower than the philosophy behind them.For example, Labor Day was only given federal holiday status as an election-year compromise from President Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s, after a series of union-led strikes threatened to undermine his presidency. By then the holiday was already recognized in several states and had nationwide support from workers.Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was recognized by states almost immediately after the Civil Rights leader's assassination. John Conyers, a former Democratic Congressman from Michigan, lobbied Congress for 15 years before the bill was passed. Columbus Day was implemented by President Roosevelt to stem the rise of anti-Italian immigrant sentiments in the country at the time. While political debates and bureaucracy can make federal holiday proposals difficult, the technical process to institute them is fairly straightforward. Anyone can make a petition and gather signatures or connect with their local congressperson to write a bill adding the celebration to the federal calendar. With enough <a href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2004/06/how-to-declare-a-federal-holiday.html">support</a> the bill is submitted before Congress and is either passed or voted down. The president can also declare a one-time holiday by executive order, although the White House hasn't indicated whether President Biden will do so.More recently, petitions for new federal holidays were submitted through the White House administration's 'We the People' site. In recent years the site has become clogged with a backlog of thousands of proposals for new national holidays and requests to dismiss or change existing ones. The site was temporarily suspended under the Trump administration and now redirects to the main White House website. <div type="image" title="Opal Lee sitting on a chair and smiling" height="2019" width="2698" msid="83608967" hostid="261"></div>Opal Lee, also known as Fort Worth's "Grandmother of Juneteenth", is a 94-year old activist who has been lobbying for the national holiday since 2016. After witnessing the growth of the celebrations in Texas and it's spread to other states, Lee was inspired by the unity and reconciliation that Juneteenth signified in her community and joined the growing number of advocacy groups bringing it to the national stage.After hearing of the bill's passage in the Senate, Lee told Insider she was ecstatic and hopeful that the bill would pass quickly through the House vote. "I'm glued to the set," she said. "It's gonna be a wonderful way to work together to get rid of the disparities that are keeping us from being free. Joblessness, homelessness, healthcare, schools that need to tell the truth..I'm looking forward to it."Lee, a former teacher and prominent organizer of Juneteenth events in Texas, has been vocal about using Juneteenth celebrations as an opportunity to educate communities about Black history and spark deeper conversations about social justice and equity.When asked why recognition of Juneteenth is so important now after over a year of nationwide protests, Lee said, "We want those people who are protesting to join us in making this a better United States. I believe if they see that this bill passes that they understand that there's hope in getting rid of disparities. Working together I'm sure that we can erase them."Several other advocacy groups, lawmakers and nonprofit organizations have lobbied Congress for years to make Juneteenth happen. Along with local planning groups, The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation has been advocating since the early 90s.<h2>Costs implications of federal holidays</h2>Though there have been several presidential proclamations <a href="https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44865.pdf">honoring</a> Juneteenth, its absence from the official federal calendar means that these homages are mostly symbolic. The National Taxpayers' Union Foundation, a nonprofit and nonpartisan group, estimates that it would cost American taxpayers $918 million a year to approve the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. Then there are the federal employees - like TSA agents and secret service - who still work on the day."They are eligible for premium pay which in the past has been roughly 7 percent of the base holiday pay," Demian Brady, Vice President of Research at the NTUF told Insider.While a benefit to workers, the cost to American taxpayers is often one of the biggest hurdles to jump in Congressional budget negotiations. The NTUF used payroll data from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and calculated the cost in wages the additional day that federal workers are paid but do not have to work. The cost per day of the federal civilian workforce (excluding the Postal Service) is $858 million.Proponents of the Juneteenth bill, however, counter that the costs to taxpayers would be offset by the boost to the economy that holidays usually generate through tourism and increased consumer spending from retail sales."Under normal conditions, a new holiday weekend in June would spur 46 million Americans to travel, which would generate $17.4 billion in travel spending-directly supporting 143,000 jobs and producing $2.7 billion in government tax revenue," Tori Barnes, U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy said in a press release. Besides costs, arguments against the bill have focused on conflicting proposals to replace an existing holiday, like Columbus Day, with Juneteenth. <h2>Why federal recognition is so important</h2><div type="image" title="From left, Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Steve Williams, president of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, and Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., pose with the Juneteenth flag in front of the Capitol building in Washington D.C." height="1884" width="2512" msid="83608971" hostid="261"></div>It took 15 years for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to be nationally recognized, even though it was celebrated in many states for years beforehand. And similar to Juneteenth, MLK Day had nationwide support and momentum in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. As debates about systemic racism continue to take center stage, there is a heightened awareness of Juneteenth and how other symbols of American culture reflect the darker sides of the nation's history.The ongoing debates about the utility and meaning of existing holidays, like Columbus Day and Thanksgiving, have drawn attention to how holidays aren't just about money. Barnes added they are markers of identity and culture. "In the end, it's about appreciating our shared history and collective future, while furthering our commitment to listen, to educate, and to engage in necessary conversations," she said.

Congress just voted to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Here's why the campaign took decades.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Harpist Madison Calley learned about <keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> and other parts of Black history while in college.</li><li>Calley performed 'Lift Every Voice &amp; Sing' for Apple <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="music">Music</keyword>'s "<a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/juneteenth-freedom-songs/pl.8a5991d5c19e40d9986ffbf0cfcc37de">Juneteenth: Freedom Songs</a>" playlist.</li><li>She told Insider the holiday inspires her to confront stereotypes about Black classical musicians.</li></ul>Raised in a predominantly white community, harpist Madison Calley didn't grow up celebrating Juneteenth, the African American and <a href="https://www.insider.com/congress-voted-to-make-juneteenth-federal-holiday-heres-why-it-took-decades-2021-6">now-federal holiday</a> commemorating the end of US slavery.She wasn't alone. As many as <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/351041/americans-know-juneteenth-holiday.aspx">28% </a>of Americans recently responded that they knew nothing about the holiday prior to 2020's racial unrest.College ushered in Calley's awakening. There, she learned about Juneteenth and other elements of Black history. Now the LA-based musician and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madisoncalley/?hl=en">plant enthusiast</a> is among prominent artists featured on Apple Music's "<a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/juneteenth-freedom-songs/pl.8a5991d5c19e40d9986ffbf0cfcc37de">Juneteenth: Freedom Songs</a>" playlist.Related Article Module: Congress just voted to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Here's why the campaign took decades.On the 20-track collection she performs a soulful rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black National Anthem. Honoring African Americans' legacy of resistance in America is only fitting for the harpist, who began playing the classical instrument at age 8.Performing at the <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/harpist-madison-calley-roddy-ricch-grammys-performance-video-48224125">63rd Annual Grammy Awards with hip-hop artist Roddy Ricch</a>, as well as the iHeartRadio Music Awards with singer Usher, Calley is on her own mission to confront stereotypes that can plague women and people of color in the classical arena.She is also challenging listeners to rethink what makes music Black. Calley spoke with Insider about redefining Black music and what Juneteenth means to her.This interview was condensed and edited for clarity.<h3>Why did you decide to perform a piece for Apple Music's "Juneteenth: Freedom Song" playlist, and why did you choose "Lift Every Voice and Sing?"</h3>Juneteenth is a very significant date for me and I chose "Lift Every Voice and Sing" because when I think Juneteenth I automatically think of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." That song is very significant too because it was created during a time of Jim Crow and segregation when Black people in America were trying to find their identity and their voice in the country.So I resonate with that entire message because it took me a long time to find my own voice and my own identity within the classical community.Related Article Module: As Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday, Black Texans are fighting to keep it true to its roots<h3>And would you say that you have really found your voice now?</h3>I am definitely much more confident in self, and in this life journey that I am on which is ever-evolving. I've definitely started to carve a path that I would call my own voice within my music; in taking a classical instrument and playing more soulful R&amp;B, Jazz, Blues type sounds that resonate with my spirit.<h3><div type="image" title="Madison Calley" height="5981" width="3987" msid="83673022" hostid="261"></div>You have been redefining what it means to be a harp player. What was your musical journey like to find your place in this industry?</h3>I am classically trained. I studied with a private teacher for my whole life and we did all classical repertoire. I got accepted into college off of classical repertoire, I was in orchestra, all of my works were classical. But to be honest, it never really felt like home to me.I never really fit in with the other harpists. I was always kind of an outcast in my groups, in my circles.It really wasn't until I moved to LA and I got a gig doing an acoustic set with Willow Smith, which was my first time playing R&amp;B on the harp. I realized how beautiful it really did sound on the harp and how much I really enjoyed that simple performance.After that, I just started doing all R&amp;B and pop and more current songs on my heart.<h3>Do you see yourself as someone who is breaking down barriers as an orchestral musician?</h3>I do, now.At first, I didn't because I was just doing something that was fun for me to play, and it wasn't really until I started seeing the response that my videos were getting that I realized, wow, I'm really influencing some people. And now I teach lessons too to all minority students that want to play the harp because I'm playing these songs that they listen to.<h3>Juneteenth is also in the middle of Black Music Month, and music is always a big part of our <keyword id="24504" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="culture">culture</keyword>. As a Black harpist, what do you consider to be "Black" music? </h3>Black music …(pauses to think).I would consider anything soulful and rhythmic and anything you can kind of bounce to or vibe to. I think most, if not all, of the music that we listen to originated from Africa and from African music and I think that's powerful. I think most music is Black music.Related Article Module: Miss Juneteenth isn't just a movie. State and local pageants celebrate Black history and beauty<h3>You're known on social media for the breathtaking covers you do on modern songs, when can we expect some original music?</h3>I'm working on an original piece right now. I don't have a release date for it just yet, but it will be very soon. It's definitely going to be a reflection of some of the covers that I'm putting out now. So I would put it in the more R&amp;B category.It's a really really beautiful piece that that resonates with me very deeply that I'm creating right now. And so I am really excited to put it out. I definitely think that the fan base I have garnered already would really love this sound because it's very similar to the R&amp;B covers that I do.<h3>What do you think Juneteenth being a federal holiday means for Black Americans in the US, and how will you celebrate as a musician? </h3>I think it's incredibly significant for it to get approved.I think Juneteenth is a very significant date for many reasons. As we know now the Emancipation Proclamation was passed in 1863, but there were still slave owners and people that were still holding African Americans in slavery.So there was still a lot of oppression terror and it was a horrific time for a lot of African Americans, and so I think Juneteenth is significant because it's a day to celebrate freedom but it's also a day to reflect on the ways that we're still oppressed today.<h3>And what does Juneteenth mean to you?</h3>I watched a really good documentary on Juneteenth and they mentioned how every decade since you're in teens black people will have become wealthier more educated and have more status in society. And so I think that's something worth celebrating. And I celebrate it every day and in the work that I do and so Juneteenth is just a great day to celebrate it nationwide.To me, Juneteenth is a day of celebration - celebration of the empowerment of black people.

'Most music is Black music.' This Juneteenth, harpist Madison Calley is challenging classical stereotypes

<ul class="summary-list"><li>While <keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> finally gets federal recognition, state and local governments erase Black history.</li><li>Opponents who want to ban <keyword id="9892617" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Critical-race-theory">Critical Race Theory</keyword> in schools often don't know what it is.</li><li>The backlash is in response to calls to end systemic racism and support for Black Lives Matter.</li></ul>Last year, the nation roiled with turmoil in June following the death of George Floyd. The violent response from police against Black Americans asserting their humanity made a typically warm month in 2020 seem like a sweltering desert for Black people. But Juneteenth celebrations felt like a cool oasis in the midst of a desert of police aggression. The holiday known to Black Americans for generations, but new to federal recognition, provided a respite of celebration to remember that we can find joy even in the midst of terror. For large numbers of Black Americans, <a href="https://www.insider.com/black-communities-in-texas-fight-to-keep-juneteenth-true-to-its-roots-2021-6?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=2021-q2-special_projects&amp;utm_content=juneteentht=juneteenth">specifically Black Texans</a>, Juneteenth had been a holiday that maintained just as much national significance as every other patriotic holiday. What the past year demonstrated was that the United States must not only acknowledge Juneteenth, it must teach this history behind the holiday; including the shameful sin of slavery and yearslong efforts to exploit enslaved labor in Texas after the conclusion of the war. The importance of the holiday this year is parallel to the urgency of the holiday in 2020, albeit for different reasons. Today, the horror of slavery and the depraved inhumanity of those who participated in it, and fought for it are generally recognized. Any examination of slavery's centuries long effect, however, is being met with combative pushback. GOP leaders and school boards have put critical race theory in their crosshairs. States including <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/27/us/critical-race-theory-idaho-bill-trnd/index.html">Idaho</a>, <a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2021/06/08/governor-kim-reynolds-signs-law-targeting-critical-race-theory-iowa-schools-diversity-training/7489896002/">Iowa</a>, <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/28/texas-critical-race-theory-greg-abbott/">Texas</a>, and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/oklahoma-governor-signs-ban-teaching-critical-race-theory-77564832">Oklahoma</a> have all taken up or passed legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory. Oklahoma's law even mandates that lessons should not make an individual <a href="http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20ENR/hB/HB1775%20ENR.PDF">feel</a> " discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race."The initiatives are a response to demands for an end to systemic racism in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.<h2>Backlash to racial justice makes teaching Juneteenth critical</h2>Many of the most ardent advocates for not teaching critical race theory <a href="https://youtu.be/_dpUiFN9PWg?t=145">know very little about it</a>, often labeling it divisive. They have made it a catch-all term for any ideas or policies that would make the US more equitable.There's even a conservative political action committee <a href="https://www.axios.com/pac-critical-race-theory-school-board-election-2f41f62f-7161-47f0-9a70-5472a69c7ab6.html">formed to support school board candidates</a> who "oppose public schools teaching critical race theory and the 1619 project." What these states are ostensibly attempting to ban is an honest recounting of American history and the outcomes that are produced by white-centered, anti-Black public policy and socially accepted norms.American white supremacists and their moderate sympathizers have long weaponized <keyword id="6355445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="education">education</keyword> to mask atrocities they've committed. For them, this is nothing new. In the retelling of American Civil War history, "Lost Cause" mythology was taught for decades to make Southern secession and rebellion more reasonable and humane. Rather than investigating the reasons for Southern secession and vilifying the those who took up arms, the Lost Cause Theory sought to "<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/06/the-lost-causes-long-legacy/613288/">recast the Confederacy's humiliating defeat</a> in a treasonous war for slavery as the embodiment of the Framers' true vision for America." Southerners didn't want to relive the shame of their parents and grandparents fighting a losing war in defense of their depravity. Meanwhile white northerners, many anti-Black in their own way, had no problem going along with the lie. As with any effort at racial progress in the United States, this moment has also been met with backlash. But as Juneteenth approaches, the need to not only acknowledge, but remember the need for the holiday is essential to the United States becoming the place it purports itself to be.As we've learned from recent Tulsa <a href="https://www.insider.com/remembering-tulsa-without-reparations-is-performative-erasure-2021-6">commemorations</a>, acknowledgment without restitution is empty rhetoric. Holidays and commemorations are more than days off. They are national markers where we collectively remember, commemorate, learn, and celebrate. They are days when the entire population reflects on the reason for the occasion. Just as Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize and remember hard fought gains for working people, and Memorial Day remembers those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of the United States, Juneteenth must be a day where all Americans remember that none of us can be free until all of us are free. It smacks of hypocrisy for federal and local governments to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday while so many Americans are working to prevent students from learning why the holiday exists.The occasion must center the uncomfortable history of the country and the unquenchable human will for freedom that Black people in this country have always displayed, even before the first Juneteenth of 1865.

Black history is under attack as states ban critical race theory. Teaching Juneteenth is key to fighting back

<ul class="summary-list"><li>States including Tennessee, Florida, and Delaware have held Miss <keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> pageants for years.</li><li>Pageants are scholarship-driven and center community service, education, and Black history. </li><li>The first National Miss Juneteenth Pageant was hosted in Memphis, Tennessee last year.</li></ul>For Black communities across the country, a Juneteenth celebration isn't complete without a Miss Juneteenth pageant.African Americans all across the US congregate annually to commemorate the end of slavery on June 19 - better known as Juneteenth - with cookouts, parades, and in some cities and states, pageants.In 2020, when the world was enthralled in the nationwide and global Black Lives Matter protests after the killing of George Floyd, and Juneteenth became a mainstream topic of conversation, the US was introduced to "<a href="https://deadline.com/2020/04/miss-juneteenth-release-date-vertical-entertainment-1202907705/">Miss Juneteenth</a>" the movie by director and writer, Channing Godfrey Peoples."Miss Juneteenth" is about a single mother (played by Nicole Beharie), a former Miss Juneteenth who squandered her opportunities, and is now working tirelessly to ensure her own daughter (played by Alexis Chikaeze)is able to participate in the pageant to earn a scholarship and further her studies. What came as a surprise to many viewers is that the Miss Juneteenth pageant is a real competition. Officially called the <a href="https://www.juneteenthftw.com/miss-juneteenth-pageant">Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant</a>, or Miss Juneteenth FTW, it's Fort Worth, Texas headquarters is where producers found source material for the movie.Like many young African American girls growing up on Black beauty, Peoples grew up attending the local pageant.There are five in Texas alone, including Houston, San Antonio, Tri-County. Running since 1976, Fort Worth's is one of the earliest Miss Juneteenth pageants in the US while Austin's has been running for nearlhy 50 years.The current director of the Miss Juneteenth FTW pageant, Andrea Sledge, the pageant's current director told Insider the pageant holds important significance as a conduit for children of color to learn their rich history. "They need to understand the obstacles their ancestors went through to pave the way for them to be free," she told Insider via email. "The Juneteenth Pageant gives us an opportunity to celebrate Black Excellence at its finest all while teaching the importance of Juneteenth so that the legacy of Juneteenth is never lost."But Texas isn't the only state that hosts Miss Juneteenth pageants.States including Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, and Delaware and more have hosted Miss Juneteenth competitions annually for decades, but the starkly different from traditional pageants Americans watch on television.The Miss Juneteenth pageants are not beauty pageantsUnlike mainstream American pageants, Black competitions are usually "a visual component of freedom." According to Kimberly Pellum, author of "Black Beauties: African American Pageant Queens in the Segregated South," the ceremonies serve as a way for African Americans publicly craft their own narrative. "Miss Juneteenth pageants are emblematic of the rich tradition of Black public assertion and adornment," the history professor told Insider. "It is "central to the African American practice of celebration, image-making, and cultural expression."The pageants are also scholarship-driven, with events that center around community service, education, and Black history. The pageants usually consist of essay writing and community service alongside with talent, evening wear, and a question-and-answer sections on pageant night.<blockquote class="pullquote-wrapper"><q class="pullquote-quotation">Miss Juneteenth pageants are emblematic of the rich tradition of Black public assertion and adornment. "[It is] central to the African American practice of celebration, image-making, and cultural expression.</q> <cite class="pullquote-source">Kimberly Pellum, author</cite></blockquote>Helping young Black women further their education is the cornerstone of these pageants, making the scholarship prize crucial for participating families. Sandy Clark, pageant director of the Delaware Miss Juneteenth pageant, told Inisder their candidates begin training six months in advance. "We decided to start working with these young ladies six months before the pageant, teaching them, having activities for their parents also," said Clark. "We will take them on trips teaching them about their history, teaching them about poise and etiquette, public speaking, and essay writing."The Miss Juneteenth title holder serves as an ambassador who brings attention to the cultural and historical significance of the holiday. While only three young women were able to participate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first National Miss Juneteenth Pageant was hosted in Memphis, Tennessee last year by the <a href="http://nationaljuneteenth.com/">National Juneteenth Observance Foundation</a>. Miss Juneteenth serves as an educational platform about the holiday<div type="image" title="Miss Juneteenth Pageant" height="965" width="1287" msid="83652993" hostid="261"></div>Saniya Gay, Miss Delaware ultimately won the title. Before joining the competition, she was among the <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/351041/americans-know-juneteenth-holiday.aspx">25%</a> of Americans who were not aware of Juneteenth. "I only knew the basics of black history, but I didn't know what led up to everything and Juneteenth is the core of what led up to where we are now," said the inaugural winner told Insider.The 18-year-old added she knew nothing about Juneteenth prior to hearing about the pageant in Delaware. After sitting in on the orientation, Gray said he new information changed her perspective about her life in the US. "I felt different because I didn't know and it was a history that I was missing," she told Insider. "I was glad I had a chance to learn what Juneteenth is and I got a chance to learn about my history and what my ancestors went through." Unlike other pageants, Gay said Miss Juneteenth is an important part of the commemorating the holiday because it's representing the "women of Juneteenth."Compared to televised competitions like the Miss America or Miss Universe pageants, Gay said her title celebreated the "women of Juneteenth," honoring not just African American history, but her <keyword id="24504" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="culture">culture</keyword> and ancestry. family."Juneteenth is me!"National Miss Juneteenth dream for a federal holiday realized<div type="image" title="Miss Juneteenth movie" height="905" width="1206" msid="83652996" hostid="261"></div>Prior to President Joe Biden signing legislation into law this week, there had been campaigns to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation had been <a href="http://nationaljuneteenth.com/Petition_Form.html">campaigning for</a> for years.Now that their hard work has paid off, Clark and Sylvia Harris, the National Miss Juneteenth pageant director, believe that becoming America's newest federal holiday may create more visibility for the Miss Juneteenth pageants - both local and national. But organizers are already looking to 2022. The next National Miss Juneteenth Pageant will take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma in October where Harris said the young women will be touring the historical sites. She told Insider with Juneteenth increased recognition "they will get to not only see a piece of history but be a piece of history."

Miss Juneteenth isn't just a movie. State and local pageants celebrate Black history and beauty

<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/juneteenth-jubilee"></a><div type="image" title="Absolute Equality mural" height="2316" width="3089" msid="83613615" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword>, commemorating the end of slavery, could become the US's newest federal holiday.</li><li>As its popularity grows, local activists warn Juneteenth's Texans origins are being erased.</li><li>Generations of Black women are working to keep Texas history at the center of the holiday.</li></ul>As Juneteenth approaches, the historic date is trending more than ever, but its roots and history are sometimes lost.After the Civil War, most slaves in Texas were still unaware of their freedom until Union troops arrived in Galveston in 1865 to announce President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation two years prior, beginning the nation's first Juneteenth celebration.By 1980, Texas was the first to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Now, 47 states and the District of Columbia do.A bill passed in Congress this week that would make Juneteenth a National Independence Holiday now awaits President Joe Biden's signature.But while it's recognition grows globally, activists say the heartbeat of Juneteenth still pumps strongly throughout Texas -- in Galveston and Houston, respectively.Insider spoke with Black Texas women about why they're fighting to keep Juneteenth true to its Texas roots."Juneteenth is an opportunity for people to learn about where they come from, what kind of heritage they have, where we originate from, who we are, not just the people who were brought on the boats and turned into slaves," says Amari Rowe, an 18-year old native of Galveston. <h2>Like Juneteenth, today's racial unrest has roots in Texas</h2><div type="image" title="Bostic" height="4032" width="2806" msid="83613628" hostid="261"></div>Nowadays, it's 83-year old Jacqueline Bostic's contemporary connection to racial justice protests that draws visitors to Houston. George Floyd, whose murder at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked racial unrest throughout last year, grew up in the city. He also played football and basketball at the high school named after Bostic's great-grandfather, Rev. Jack Yates, a prominent figure in Juneteenth spreading to the city from Galveston.After emancipation, Yates and his wife moved from the plantation where they had been enslaved to Houston. He along with three other men eventually raised enough money in 1872 to purchase the land established as Emancipation Park - commemorating Juneteenth in the city's Third and Fourth Wards. "He came through a period of time that most of us today wouldn't even think about or have no idea of what it means to live what he lived through," Bostic told Insider. "I really feel like the work he did for the community was of such value that it's the kind of work that we need to continue in our community."The site was and still is a destination for Juneteenth celebrations, family and community gatherings. Today, it is a protected historic landmark and is Texas' oldest public park.As a lifelong activist, the octogenarian serves on the board of directors for her great-grandfather's park's conservancy, even advocating for the development of a proposed 51-mile route known as Emancipation Trail - connecting Houston to Galveston.Supported by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, an early advocate for federal Juneteenth recognition, the trail would chronicle the journey of Black families as they traveled and shared news of freedom, connecting historic landmarks from city to city.Bostic told Insider that amid demands for change, the story of Floyd's life and his loose connection to Juneteenth and her great-grandfather is part of the country's needed racial awakening. "In 2021, it's important to know there are still people in our community who see the need to understand what has happened in our past," she added. <h2>Young leaders are emerging to share Juneteenth's local legacy </h2><div type="image" title="Absolute Equality mural" height="2505" width="3340" msid="83613639" hostid="261"></div>Just an hour south along a different route, Juneteenth's journey through Texas is memorialized by local Black artists in a 5,000- square foot art installation called Absolute Equality. Blazon on the side of the Old Galveston Square building, the mural depicts Black Texans' early history in America: enslaved Africans being marched onto ships. Harriet Tubman, the leader on the Underground Railroad is painted leading Black people to freedom.While Abraham Lincoln is shown holding the Emancipation Proclamation, it's Gen. Gordon Granger flanked by Black Union soldiers as he reads the order to declare emancipation that honors Juneteenth.Houstonian Cherry Meekins, 41, was tapped to contribute to the project. But she admits that before starting, she was among the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/16/us/politics/juneteenth-holiday.html">60% of Americans</a> who hardly knew about Juneteenth.Working on "Absolute Equality" gave her a much-needed history lesson."When I learned about the history that took place there, at the site, it moves you, it can bring tears to your eyes," Meekins said.Meekins channeled that visceral reaction - and being the lone Black, female artist involved - into her brushstrokes as she ascended a crane to paint Harriet Tubman on the wall.We've played such a role in the freedom of our people," she told Insider. "The Black woman has taken on so much of the burden of catapulting our people into freedom and into opportunity,."<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COOR5f1nPtj" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Juneteenth Legacy Project (@juneteenthlegacyproject)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></div></blockquote>"To be painting and bringing such a project to life, I feel like young girls and other women get to see me and say 'if she did that, I can, too.' It's about leaving your mark, leaving your legacy and letting people know you were here."Inspired, her role soon expanded beyond painting to leading educational workshops to teaching young artists about the importance of Juneteenth while bringing the public project to life.Amari Rowe, 18, was one of those young women.Raised in Galveston, Rowe's knowledge of Juneteenth comes from a mother and grandparents who were committed to ingraining African-American history into her head."This was drilled into me since I was a baby," she told Insider. "It's important to me that people understand how important our history is, what we come from and how much potential we have." Rowe argued that with a society that already "does not give Black people enough credit for what they do and have done," keeping Texas' rightful place at the center of Juneteenth celebrations is part of a generational struggle.'"We originated so much, we invented so much and it was all taken from us because we were considered property." Peering through their past, present and future lenses, Bostic, Meekins and Rowe view Juneteenth as an opportunity to foster a world of peace and progress, and that their unwavering commitment will influence necessary change moving forward - for Black people, all people, in Texas and around the world. "This is a win for us, this is going to help build us up and get us to come together as not just as people, but as whole people, as a lineage," Rowe said.

As Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday, Black Texans are fighting to keep it true to its roots

<ul class="summary-list"><li>President <keyword id="99719" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Joe-Biden">Joe Biden</keyword> on Thursday enacted a law making June 19 a <keyword id="400389" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="National-holiday">national holiday</keyword>.</li><li><keyword id="9375010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="juneteenth">Juneteenth</keyword> celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.</li><li>The <keyword id="7173" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="house">House</keyword> and the <keyword id="6355284" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="senate">Senate</keyword> had passed the legislation this week.</li></ul>President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a bill into law to make June 19, known as Juneteenth, a national <keyword id="20983" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Holiday">holiday</keyword> celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.Vice President Kamala Harris opened the signing with remarks celebrating the Black activists who'd long campaigned to make Juneteenth a national holiday."National holidays are something important," Harris said. "These are days when we as a nation have decided to stop and take stock and often to acknowledge our history."Biden said the holiday recognized "America's original sin" and the country's capacity to "make a better version of ourselves." He and the vice president both recognized Opal Lee, a 94-year-old Black activist and retired educator who'd campaigned to make Juneteenth a holiday and is known as the grandmother of Juneteenth."Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation and a promise of a brighter morning to come," Biden said. "This is a day of - in my view - profound weight and profound power. A day in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take."Biden also mentioned his administration's major proposals to address the racial wealth gap and other forms of discrimination and to improve healthcare in Black communities.The House on Wednesday voted 415-14 to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/house-passes-bill-to-make-juneteenth-a-national-holiday-2021-6">pass the bipartisan legislation</a>, called the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. All no votes came from Republicans. The bill had won <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-senate-voted-unanimously-to-make-juneteenth-a-national-holiday-2021-6">unanimous support</a> in the Senate on Tuesday.The law created the US's 11th federally recognized holiday. The latest one, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was established nearly 40 years ago.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-ABC <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">News</keyword> <keyword id="6358883" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="politics">Politics</keyword> (@ABCPolitics) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1405614550431506435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2021</a></blockquote>Federal government employees will observe Juneteenth on Friday, the Office of Personnel Management <a href="https://twitter.com/USOPM/status/1405537166684352518">announced</a> on Thursday. Many private companies are expected to follow suit.Juneteenth, often referred to as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Emancipation Day, celebrates <a href="https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth">June 19, 1865</a>, when Union soldiers traveled to Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced that the region's 250,0000 enslaved African Americans were emancipated, thus effectively abolishing slavery in the last Confederate territory.The holiday has been celebrated since the late 1800s and had been recognized in 47 states and the District of Columbia for several years. But the push to make Juneteenth a national holiday gained momentum last year amid the nationwide anti-racism and social-justice protests in response to George Floyd's murder by a white Minneapolis police officer.Some private employers, including corporations like Nike and Target, made the day a paid holiday last year.While the legislation was overwhelmingly bipartisan, some Republican lawmakers had expressed concern about the cost of adding a federal holiday to the calendar. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, suggested the government remove a federal holiday before adding Juneteenth. Johnson ended his blockade of the bill on Tuesday, and the Senate passed it unanimously.

Biden makes Juneteenth a national holiday, giving federal employees Friday off

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Megan Piphus Peace recently became the first Black woman puppeteer on 'Sesame Street.'</li><li>She first learned puppetry at her local church when she was 10 years old.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Megan Piphus Peace, crew member and voice of Gabrielle on "Sesame Street." It has been edited for length and clarity.I first learned ventriloquism when I was 10 years old. A woman at my church started a puppetry team to teach older kids how to perform puppetry for the smaller kids' ministry. I volunteered to learn, and she took all of us to a puppetry conference in Illinois.There were church puppetry teams there from all over the world, and we learned character development, technique, and how to use and make different props. This was when I was first introduced to ventriloquism. A lot of the teachers at this conference were women, which really inspired me. I watched these female ventriloquists tell stories and sing songs using a character, and I really saw myself in them.I wanted to make people laugh, feel and be inspired. So at the end of the conference, I went home and told my parents that I wanted to learn how to become a ventriloquist. My mom was extremely supportive, and I think she saw it as an opportunity for me to open up and come out of my shell — I was very shy as a child. She found VHS tapes by famous ventriloquists like Paul Winche, Liz VonSeggen, and Judy Bush from libraries all over the state of Ohio. I watched those tapes over and over to learn from the greats.<h2>I knew I'd found my passion when I had my first performance as a ventriloquist</h2><div type="image" title="Megan Piphus as a child, performing with two puppets." height="1712" width="2283" msid="94665851" hostid="261"></div>I got my first puppet and named him Charlie McCarthy, after Edgar Bergen's famous character. I practiced with Charlie and took him to school and told jokes to my classmates, which got the attention of my teachers. They asked me to perform for the whole school, and that's when I wrote my very first script.That first performance was probably one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. I started performing at other schools and churches, from age 10 or 11, all the way through high school. I started getting paid to travel to perform at other churches when I was in high school. It became a real job for me at that point.I made $50 to $100 per show. I would use the money to either buy more puppets, fabric for making my puppets' clothes, or for giving back to my church.I've since become the first Black woman puppeteer on the United States version of "Sesame Street," where I'm a cast member and the voice of Gabrielle. I've traveled all over the world to perform and sing with my puppets, and even appeared on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhU3ehvbW9s">"America's Got Talent."</a><h2>I never expected to hear from "Sesame Street," especially because I never applied</h2>"Sesame Street" is the pinnacle of puppetry and children's entertainment. While I dreamed of working there, I never thought I would, especially during the time that Matt Vogel, "Big Bird" actor and a producer for the show, reached out to me.At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, I was around six weeks pregnant with my second child. In an email, Matt wrote that since production had slowed because of the pandemic, they had time to go through some old submissions — but I hadn't submitted myself.In 2018, I found Leslie Carrara-Rudolph's Instagram — she performs the character Abby Cadabby on "Sesame Street." I just commented on one of her posts saying "Abby Cadabby has always been my favorite character. You do amazing work with her character." Leslie actually responded to me and asked if it was okay to send my information to some people at "Sesame Street" (I had ventriloquy performances on my Instagram profile). I told her that would be amazing.After two years, I wasn't even thinking about it anymore and was so shocked to hear back.<h2>Joining the 'Sesame Street' mentorship program helped me learn their style of puppetry, but it was hard work</h2><div type="image" title="Puppet characters Tamir and Gabrielle from &quot;Sesame Street&quot;" height="4730" width="6307" msid="94665852" hostid="261"></div>Matt Vogel asked if I would be willing to learn monitor and Muppet style puppetry, because they're different styles from ventriloquism. With ventriloquism, which I had built my performance career on, you see the ventriloquist — but with muppet style puppetry, you don't see the person who's performing.I was very interested in learning the style, so I got on the phone with him and Marty Robinson (performer of Snuffleupagus, Telly Monster). They told me what it was like working at "Sesame Street" and asked if I would be willing to join their mentorship program.In the mentorship program, you're trained by "Sesame Street" performers with the hopes of eventually being on camera and performing a character. I accepted immediately.I had my first mentorship meeting five minutes after that call, so I was welcomed into the family right away. My first time voicing Gabrielle was in June 2020 when <a href="https://www.insider.com/sesame-street-townhall-teach-children-stand-up-to-racism-2020-6">I educated children about racial justice for a CNN Town Hall</a>.Then in September of 2021, I had my very first in-person recording with Gabrielle. Up until that point, I had been learning and training over Zoom in Nashville, TN (which is where I live), which was difficult, but I made the best of the situation. The majority of the performers are in New York where "Sesame Street" records.I was also pregnant at the time, and while it was hard work to push through the pregnancy fatigue to practice and learn, I had an incredible drive to learn and master monitor-style puppetry. <h2>Working on 'Sesame Street' is just as fun as it looks</h2>Before the actual shoot date, we read through the scripts, read our characters' lines, and then practice. On the day of shoot, we usually get into the studio around 8 a.m. We'll have an introductory meeting with the whole team and talk about how the day is going to run. From there, all the performers go to what we call the "Muppet Lounge," where we can hang out and talk until it's our time to come on set. There's a really strong camaraderie among the Muppet puppeteers family.The most beautiful part is walking into the studio and seeing the exact same set that I grew up watching as a child. My favorite recording days are when it's someone's first day on set. I remember how magical my first day was. When new team members or guests come in, whether it's a new director, a new cameraman or a celebrity guest, you can always see the childlike wonder on their faces when they step on set.We had President Biden's secret service come to the street recently, and they were so enchanted — these guards who you think are going to be so serious and intimidating were children again the moment they walked on set. They all wanted pictures with the different characters. Seeing the set has that effect on everyone, and I love to see that.<h2>The bravest moment of my career is still when I appeared on "America's Got Talent"</h2><div type="image" title="Megan Piphus backstage waiting to go on stage for &quot;America's Got Talent.&quot;" height="396" width="529" msid="94665855" hostid="261"></div>I was a junior in college when I auditioned for "America's Got Talent." It just so happened that my recording date for the show was during my spring break. I went to New Orleans to audition, and I met so many performers from around the world.On the day of recording, I arrived at 8 a.m., but wasn't called to perform until 11:30 that evening.By the time I finally got on stage, the audience and the judges were tired. I had to block that out and focus — I was on the show during the time where the hosts were still using the big X's when they didn't like your act. After I performed, all four judges unanimously voted "Yes" and sent me to the Las Vegas round.I didn't make it past Vegas, but Howard Stern, who was a judge at the time and like a father figure off-camera, gave me phenomenal advice. He told me, "I think you're a very talented ventriloquist and I don't want you to be disappointed by this moment. I want you to keep going."And so I did. Through the exposure I got from "America's Got Talent," I performed all over the world in Bermuda, Guyana, Italy, Germany. I'm grateful for my experience on the show and it taught me to never give up.<h2>I kept performing, even when I started my career in real estate</h2>I continued to perform, but as I got older, married, and started a family, I started to think that my career in entertainment was over. I studied economics in undergrad and finance in grad school, and I joined a big private equity firm. I became a real estate developer in 2020. It was the safe choice, I thought: I wanted a career that seemed stable for my family.I'd never met a Black female real estate developer when I started my career in the field — It's a very who-you-know business, that's dominated by white men. I didn't know a lot of the opportunities in finance even existed — so one of my goals when doing this work was to expose and educate more women and people of color to what we do and how it all works. I had a few side gigs as a puppeteer and ventriloquist during this time — one of which was a project called SmartPath, a financial literacy platform for kids. I wrote songs for the characters and puppets, and we made music videos explaining finance concepts for grades 1-4.We ended up winning an Emmy for musical composition on one of the segments I worked on.I was, of course, really proud of my work, but it was very challenging — I was working full-time, and my oldest son was a toddler at the time. I would go to work in real estate for a full day, do the nighttime routine with my son, and then stay up after he went to bed to write the songs.I cried a lot during this time because I felt like I couldn't juggle puppeteering and my real estate career for much longer — it was too much.I was thinking that it was time to pick a path and focus on one thing. And that's when I got the email from Matt Vogel. I left my job as a developer and financial analyst in August, to focus on this amazing opportunity with Sesame Street.<h2>It makes me really happy to have made history this way</h2>One of my favorite recordings I did for Gabrielle was the "Happy Juneteenth" song. That was incredibly special to me because I grew up with a neighborhood Juneteenth Jubilee celebration. I was able to sing that song with so much passion and meaning because it meant something specific to me.I'm so grateful to have made history. I started ventriloquism and puppetry because I saw women who were puppeteers on stage, so I hope that young girls who learn my story will see the potential in themselves to be absolutely anything. We bring a unique perspective from our cultural backgrounds — and when we have more diverse perspectives, it allows for more authentic stories and diversity of thought in our productions.I've shed a lot of tears to get to where I am today, and I've come a long way from performing as a 10-year-old ventriloquist at my dad's church.If you work in Hollywood and would like to share your story, email Eboni Boykin-Patterson at <a href="mailto:eboykinpatterson@insider.com">eboykinpatterson@insider.com.</a>

I'm the first Black woman puppeteer on 'Sesame Street.' I was about to give up on my puppeteering dreams for a stable career &mdash; and then Big Bird emailed me.

You Searched For "juneteenth jubilee" and got 11 results

This Juneteenth, spare Black people your performative allyship

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Congress just voted to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Here's why the campaign took decades.

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I'm the first Black woman puppeteer on 'Sesame Street.' I was about to give up on my puppeteering dreams for a stable career and then Big Bird emailed me.

Eboni Boykin-Patterson

You Searched For "juneteenth jubilee" and got 11 results

This Juneteenth, spare Black people your performative allyship

Grace O&apos;Connell-Joshua

From Twitter to Best Buy, brands are tapped into Juneteenth. Companies look to the holiday to advance racial justice

Keishel Williams

Businesses bet on Black culture amid demands for racial justice. Now experts warn Juneteenth is next to be whitewashed.

Dana Givens

A look at the history that made Juneteenth a federal holiday after 156 years

Marisa Palmer,Kaitlyn Wang,Havovi Cooper

Congress just voted to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Here's why the campaign took decades.

Ashley Davis

'Most music is Black music.' This Juneteenth, harpist Madison Calley is challenging classical stereotypes

Keishel Williams,Kenya Evelyn

Black history is under attack as states ban critical race theory. Teaching Juneteenth is key to fighting back

Ray Baker

Miss Juneteenth isn't just a movie. State and local pageants celebrate Black history and beauty

Keishel Williams

As Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday, Black Texans are fighting to keep it true to its roots

Lyndsay Levingston

Biden makes Juneteenth a national holiday, giving federal employees Friday off

Oma Seddiq,Eliza Relman

I'm the first Black woman puppeteer on 'Sesame Street.' I was about to give up on my puppeteering dreams for a stable career and then Big Bird emailed me.

Eboni Boykin-Patterson

Grace O'Connell-Joshua