It is important to reclaim these narratives with a new sense of pride and a sustained fight for justice and equality. Through my research, I discovered some texts and articles that highlighted various aspects of Juneteenth’s historical legacy. In an essay on Ralph Ellison’s novel Juneteenth, Loretta Johnson, a professor of English at Lewis & Clark College, writes, “Ellison’s theme of history throughout emphasizes the necessity of telling one’s story, in remembering the past, so that history, the history of injustice, will never repeat itself.” As we become more aware of the true past in America, it is important to gain ownership and develop authentic narratives that come from a strength-based perspective. In The New York Times last year, writer Brianna Holt emphasized that “Juneteenth is a reminder that our freedom was fought for and not just handed over to us.”

For artists, I believe that there is an obligation to be authentic historians and storytellers. Houston artist Reginald C. Adams created a historical mural that combines the pain of slavery with the triumph of freedom. Adams and fellow artists added in images of Black/African American abolitionists, soldiers, the signing of the order that resulted in the freedom of enslaved Black Texans, as well as a navigator who landed on the shores of Texas in 1582—the region’s earliest known nonnative enslaved person. According to Adams, the work “sprinkles the hard bitter truth with sugar. The sugar is the beauty and energy of the mural, while the bitter truth is that for two and a half years, people were held in slavery against a federal declaration.”

As we continue to address issues of inequality and inequity, we must be intentional about investing time and energy in celebrating the triumphs that we have overcome. Juneteenth is a reminder of the pain we had to endure through slavery, as well as the collective approach toward gaining freedom by reclaiming our rights, our voice, our identity and our stories.

There are a number of events commemorating Juneteenth in New York City this year, from theater performances to readings to film screenings; see The New York Times and Time Out New York for ways to celebrate and honor the anniversary.

Features