Last year, in 2022, I found myself reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth and why Africans in the diaspora, both in the United States and on the continent, should embrace and celebrate this holiday. In an article I wrote titled “How Africans in the U.S Diaspora Can Celebrate Juneteenth,” I highlighted the detachment many African immigrants feel from the history of slavery in America. Without being taught the history of African Americans, it becomes difficult for us to fully empathize and connect with the “Black History” that should unite us. This is why, as the founder of TANTV, I am committed to promoting an understanding of American culture among Africans and the multicultural diaspora, particularly in relation to its historical, political, and societal impact on our community.
Recognized as “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth has long been celebrated primarily in Texas. However, it was not until 2021 that President Biden signed legislation designating Juneteenth as a “legal public holiday,” making it one of the most recently declared federal holidays in the United States. This year, in 2023, I had the privilege of receiving numerous invitations to celebrate this momentous occasion in grandeur. From attending county festivals to savoring cookouts. One particular event that stood out was the ‘Juneteenth Honors’ organized by The Juneteenth Foundation. The star-studded event held at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., and featured performances by Toossi, Ashanti, Ja Rule, one that left attendees reverberating with a sense of nostalgia.
In 2019, the commemoration of the 400th anniversary served as a testament to the endurance and pivotal role played by Africans forcibly brought to America. A notable milestone aimed at embracing and uniting Africans and African Americans was the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019.” This landmark spiritual and birthright journey invited the Global African family, both at home and abroad, to honor the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia. The event celebrated the resilience of all victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, dispersed across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. The growing desire among Black Americans to reconnect with their ancestral homeland is more prevalent than ever, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Africanancestry.com. By tracing their DNA, Black Americans can determine their specific countries and ethnic groups of origin, fostering a profound reconnection to their roots and a deepening of cultural, emotional, physical, spiritual, and economic well-being across the African Diaspora.
While the yearning for reconnection among Black Americans remains strong, it is incumbent upon us Africans, who are aware of our origins, to invest greater effort into educating ourselves about the history of slavery, the fight for racial equality, and the pivotal moments of the civil rights movement. We cannot remain separate or detached from the facts that should unite us. Regrettably, I have encountered African immigrants who, due to ignorance, have perpetuated harmful stereotypes about African Americans, labeling them as lazy, ghetto, trapped in a “slave mentality,” or unable to succeed. And because many Africans immigrate to the States for work purposes, it is sometimes not uncommon to hear statements like “They even have papers (American Citizenship) yet they work menial jobs” questioning African Americans’ work ethic despite possessing American citizenship. Such statements, often uttered discreetly or accompanied by a disapproving glance, demonstrate our detachment from the history of slavery, they reflect a lack of understanding and are counterproductive to fostering unity.
We must acknowledge that our accomplishments in America are possible because we stand on the shoulders of heroes who fought and continue to fight for equality. We are the beneficiaries of their labor and the fruits of their struggle. While America still has a long way to go in achieving equality and social justice for Black people, the efforts of the civil rights movement have paved the way for the flourishing of the Black diaspora.
Thriving as Africans in America, we embody a profound sense of freedom and liberty, unburdened by the identity complexities that Black Americans endure. Our pride in our roots manifests in our celebration of ethnic cuisine, music, dance, and overall culture. As I listened intently to the poignant speeches delivered by the distinguished recipients of the Juneteenth Honors Award, the recurring theme of the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) resonated deeply. The founders and keynote speakers emphasized the scholarships bestowed by The Juneteenth Foundation upon students attending HBCUs, reaffirming the commitment to education and empowerment that lies at the heart of this commemoration.
The painful truth of Juneteenth reverberated through the auditorium as they recounted the historic moment when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, to deliver the news of emancipation to enslaved African Americans. General Granger’s proclamation brought into effect the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln nearly two and a half years earlier, on January 1, 1863.
As an African immigrant from Nigeria who now calls America home, having practically grown up here, I stand in solidarity with my African American compatriots in commemorating this annual milestone that marks the end of slavery in the United States following the Civil War.. My message remains steadfast: Africans who call America home must actively strive to deepen their understanding of Black history and actively engage in Juneteenth celebrations. In doing so, we reaffirm our shared identity and embark on a journey of liberation and unity within the African immigrant community.
The stirring echoes of Juneteenth serve as a powerful reminder of the struggles endured and the progress achieved. While we acknowledge that the path to true equality remains arduous, the civil rights movement has indelibly shifted the societal landscape, allowing the Black diaspora to thrive. We, as Africans in America, owe it to ourselves and to our fellow Black Americans to honor their history, embrace their struggles, and actively contribute to the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Juneteenth has evolved into a moment of profound significance, a time when African immigrants can bridge the gaps of understanding, celebrate shared heritage, and forge a unified front in pursuit of a better future. By recognizing the legacy of slavery, the resilience of the African American community, and the collective struggle for liberation, we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and pave the way for generations to come.
In this evolving American landscape, where cultural exchange and the pursuit of equality intertwine, the journey of African immigrants in America finds newfound purpose and meaning. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us move forward together, embracing the rich tapestry of our collective histories, bound by the common threads of resilience, liberation, and unity. It is in this shared celebration that we discover the strength to forge a future that embraces the diversity and interconnectedness of the African diaspora in America.
Written by Adedayo Fashanu, Edited by Abolaji Omitogun
