Trinity Robinson: Freedom holidays are for everyone
Everyone can celebrate Juneteenth and Independence Day. Both holidays are significant holidays in the United States and hold special places in American history. They carry their own meaning. However, in a society increasingly fixated on labels and categorizations, it is crucial to recognize that the true essence of these holidays lies not in their assigned titles, but in the power, they hold to unite and empower individuals of all backgrounds.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th. These celebrations serve as a celebration and remembrance of the end of slavery and a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history. They typically include parades, cookouts, family gatherings, music, dance, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Now on the other hand, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a significant holiday in the United States that commemorates the country's declaration of independence from British rule. The thing I love most is that Independence Day is celebrated in so many ways, whether it’s going on a boat, roasting hotdogs, watching fireworks, or even a parade.
When I see posts or invitations for Juneteenth, I never see a very warm and open invitation for everyone! I see more of a strict guest list with little to no diversity. Juneteenth is a great holiday, and it is important to celebrate. However, by making this holiday a Federal Holiday, Juneteenth should be more inviting to all races and all kinds. It is important to me, as an African American, that people who do not look like me understand the struggle our ancestors faced.
The issue in 2023 is that everything has to have a label and it has to be tied to that label at all times. It’s suffocating how we view diverse parts of our society through the lens of labels. While Independence Day is seen as a holiday for everyone, Juneteenth is perceived as a “Black Holiday”.
As African Americans, we have not been open and inviting with the way we want to celebrate Juneteenth. Across social media, we have given society a certain perception of who we allow, where, and when. We are dedicating this holiday to only people that act or hang around people like us. However, Independence Day celebrates being a free country and is embraced by everyone who is or strives to be a citizen. It is a time for people from all walks of life to express their patriotism, and celebrate the freedoms and opportunities afforded by the nation.
Being able to celebrate being free whether it’s Juneteenth or Independence Day we should all be happy we are ALL free! We should not suffocate holidays with labels, and we should not go based on the label of a holiday to celebrate it. If you are passionate about it and you believe in it, go for it!
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