Juneteenth

[urbpan]

I just learned about Juneteenth. I can't say I care much for the name, but if there was ever an event in United States history that deserved a National holiday, the ending of slavery is it. Let's call it Emancipation Day, and give everyone a chance to be happy that slavery is behind us, and be introspective about the fact that our ancestors tolerated it so late into our history.



I think we should also look at the bible's repeated endorsement of slavery as a reminder that that particular text should not be used as a rule book for modern society.

Comments

[propaddict.livejournal.com]

I don't remember my first Juneteenth, but I was in Tejas for it last year. I didn't really know that they were celebrating anything in particular. Seemed like just an excuse to have a big cookout, which I think puts it halfway to holiday legitimacy.

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

All it needs now is the pressure of obligatory gift-giving and some really tacky greeting cards!

[brush-rat.livejournal.com]

Yes. What would be an appropriate gift, since you can't just give people anymore?

[bunrab.livejournal.com]

One of the main reasons for such observance in Texas is, every time the state legislature decides not to give state employees any raises for two years, they give them another holiday off instead - so there are all kinds of things that would otherwise not be noticed: LBJ's Birthday, San Jacinto Day, and yes, Juneteenth. State employees even have holidays that don't have names of their own: The Day After Thanksgiving, The Monday After Christmas, stuff like that - which tells you something about how often the legislature has frozen pay and not granted any raises.