Transform Minnesota on Celebrating Juneteenth
Transform Minnesota is proud to celebrate Juneteenth (June 19th) this coming weekend. We recognize the importance of this date to the Black community and the value of it being important to all. As we continue to be committed to racial justice, we acknowledge that part of pursuing reconciliation is knowing and understanding our complicated history in the United States.
We recognize the importance of this date to the Black community and the value of it being important to all. As we continue to be committed to racial justice, we acknowledge that part of pursuing reconciliation is knowing and understanding our complicated history in the United States.
On June 19th of 1865, after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, freedom was finally granted to all enslaved people after having been supposedly declared over two years prior. Those enslaved in Texas did not hear the news that they were freed until Union soldiers spread the news on June 19th or what is now known and celebrated as “Juneteenth.” Even then it was not until later that year and into 1866 that all those enslaved were finally released. One year after the announcement given in Galveston, Texas the first “Day of Jubilee” or Juneteenth was celebrated through providing education to the community on voting, dance, playing music, and sharing food with one another. We see this today even in our own city as Black Americans celebrate through potlucks, poetry, music, dancing, and fairs.
As believers, we have the opportunity to cultivate understanding, community, and celebration while also lamenting the tragic history of our country.
Romans 12:10-15
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
