In The Community
Why is Juneteenth Commemorated?
Juneteenth commemorates the date that enslaved Africans were officially freed from slavery in the U.S., but we know that despite that, Africans and descendants of Africans continued to be enslaved, discriminated against, and killed for many years after their official liberation.
How Did Juneteenth Become a Federally Recognized Holiday?
Photo via the National Archives
June 19 marks Juneteenth as the official holiday now, but the official government declaration came through the Emancipation Proclamation made on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. It took more than two years, or June 19, 1865, to be exact, for the Union Army’s Major General Gordon Granger to ride into Galveston, Texas, and declare the enslaved people there to be freed through General Order No. 3. The Order reads as follows:
The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.
Thus, June 19 was chosen as the day to commemorate the event; though Texas has been observing the holiday since 1980, it wasn't until 2021 that it became the first year as an official holiday. Many take the newly minted national holiday to take time to reflect on the harm caused to enslaved people and how we can grow from that, while some have let it take its place as their own independence day, often being referred to as “Emancipation Day” as well.
Juneteenth was met with renewed interest to be observed as a national holiday in 2020 following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Both Floyd and Taylor were victims of police brutality that led to national protesting and widespread social justice activism.
This Juneteenth, take time to acknowledge the lives of humans who were enslaved and learn more about the history of Black Americans. It took 150 years to get here, but there’s certainly a long way to go.
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Data reveals that a substantial percentage of the population faces obstacles in their attempts to fulfill New Year's resolutions. The pressure to meet high expectations and unrealistic goals can frustrate success rather than propel it forward.
Some reasons include adopting extreme all-or-nothing behavior, lack of accountability, and setting immeasurable goals. Tackling these challenges involves cultivating a compassionate introspection within ourselves.
Questions like: What moments brought me happiness last year? Or, how can I cultivate my emotional well-being this year? These types of questions can guide this introspection and also remind you that a new year doesn’t necessarily have to mean a new you. You could find that you’re perfectly happy with the 2023 version of you, and one arbitrary date change doesn’t mean anything has to fundamentally change.
But for many others, this largely symbolic date change often serves as an opportunity to revisit this introspection and take action if and when you feel it’ll best serve you.
If you’re someone who feels like the start of the new year can kick-start some new habits, use the tips below to help guide your New Year’s resolutions.
But also remember that change can happen any day - not just on the eve of the new year:
Mindful Progress:
Make it a priority to anticipate challenges and recognize the gradual process of progress. Set realistic goals that are on your timeline and no one else’s. Setting unrealistic goals is a sure-fire way to set yourself up for inevitable failure. The key here is to be proactively mindful that progress is progress, whether fast or slow.
Proactive Approach:
Being proactive is an extension of being mindful. Staying intentional and embracing flexibility in your schedule will help you avoid comparing yourself to others. Set small, gradual goals to maintain a proactive and productive approach to the process. Doing this will help you avoid placing unnecessary and unrealistic expectations on yourself. We have enough to deal with when others place unreasonable expectations on us - there’s no reason to do it to yourself, too.
Progress Support:
Change is a gradual process that can become discouraging when it feels like we’re not moving forward. During times like these, it’s helpful to have someone who can add some additional encouragement and accountability. Consider recruiting a support partner who can add these elements when the inevitable challenging moments arise.
Journaling your emotions regarding progress, goals, and challenges can also offer valuable insights.
Self-Kindness Reset:
Be kind to yourself, stay flexible, and find joy in activities. If you miss your goals this month, take a quick breather and approach them with a fresh set of eyes next time. Redirect the focus from goals affecting your mental well-being to activities bringing genuine happiness.
As we enter the new year, mental health is a necessary element of our journey towards well-being. Whether you’re looking to start new habits, get rid of old ones, or continue on as-is, each step in self-care guides us toward a more balanced and resilient self.
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