by Shawn Nowlin
Every year during Juneteenth, freedom takes center stage.
Celebrated all over the country from small towns to rural communities, this year, multiple events happened throughout Roanoke: a Family Reunion at Eureka Park, a Black baseball takeover at the Salem Red Sox Field, and a Heritage Tailgate Night at the Salem Civic Center parking, all of which occurred last weekend. The City of Roanoke, the Berglund Center, and Humble Hustle Company served as this year’s sponsors for some of the events. It was never a question of if Roanoke resident Jamie Walker was attending all three events, it was for how long and with whom.
“With last year’s COVID numbers, I didn’t feel comfortable being out in public surrounded by so many people because I take care of my grandparents. This year I felt much safer, particularly because I’ve taken all the necessary precautions. My family and I took plenty of pictures, danced, rooted in the William Fleming High School cheerleaders, and enjoyed the food. We just embraced the whole experience,” Walker said.
As much as it is a celebration of freedom, Juneteeth is also a reminder of the struggles that enslaved African Americans endured. Jordan Bell (one organizer) and other speakers inspired the crowd with uplifting speeches that enhanced the day’s activities. Juneteenth and the concept of freedom it represents have always played a significant role in the Black churches. Because the federal holiday fell on The Lord’s Day this year, various celebratory activities were held during worship services.
Exactly 157 years ago on June 19, enslaved people in this country found out they had been freed. Known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Emancipation Day, Galveston, Texas, is the birthplace of Juneteenth.
In part because of Black activists pushing President Biden, Juneteenth became a federal holiday last year, passing unanimously in the Senate. On Monday, both schools and offices of Roanoke City were closed.
Products commemorating Juneteenth flooded the shelves this year. For a three-week period, Roanoke native Malcolm Morrow says practically every time he went to a store, items related to the theme were available for purchase.
“Some people think doing so is cultural appropriation. I differ from that thinking,” Morrow said. “As long as it’s not being offensive, I don’t see anything wrong with a company selling certain Juneteenth products every summer.”
There are many forms of activism – petitions, boycotts, and protests. Two summers ago, during the height of the George Floyd protests, all three were on full display as the Roanoke community came together in unison to send a strong message.
In order to protect this country’s legacy, Morrow adamantly believes that the past must be acknowledged to properly learn from it. The documentary, Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom, is something he recommends people watch.
“It does a great job of explaining the history of Juneteenth and how we got to this point,” he said. “Growing up, my dad often told me that when he was a little boy, the idea of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday was an unfathomable thought. Him getting to see that come to fruition makes my heart smile.”
It’s a new day as many across America can finally celebrate this momentous “federal” holiday and fully embrace the significance of what it truly marks, the freedom of a people.
