Since the 19th century, Juneteenth which is also called Emancipation Day, Black Independence Day, Hubilee Day, or the Second Independence Day, has been observed by African American communities in the US. The newest federal holiday falls every 19th of June. It commemorates the day in 1865 when General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery of African Americans in Galveston, Texas.
Juneteenth celebrations before consist of church services and reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in public. It was also observed with social events such as dances and rodeos. Because of racism and Jim Crow laws, most communities in the south used to celebrate Juneteenth discreetly in places far from the city.
Nowadays, Juneteenth many celebrate with food and community gatherings. The federal holiday has in a way, reinforced understanding about current issues encountered by African Americans and reparations for the descendants of the enslaved people.
Juneteenth on a Banknote
The obverse of the United States of America 5 Dollar banknote from 2013 features President Abraham Lincoln. He proclaimed the emancipation on January 1, 1863. However, as the most remote state of the Confederate States of America, the implementation of emancipation in some parts of Texas not in rebellion was inconsistent. Even after the end of the Civil War in 1865, there were still a number of enslaved African Americans. They were not aware of their freedom. They only learned of their freedom after Granger’s announcement.
The obverse of the USA 5 Dollar Banknote also displays the Federal Reserve Seal, the Treasury Seal, and the Great Seal of the country. On its reverse is the Lincoln Memorial Center. It is located on the westernmost of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The neoclassical national memorial honors the 16th president.
