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Thursday, June 20 It's nice to take notice. It is nice, also, to be the object of observation. That is an art that some have developed, refined, and compacted into subtleties capable of being observed only by the right person. Sneaky. Quiet. Tasteful. Yes. Very nice. posted by Shayne F @ 6:35 PM [ e : w ]
Wednesday, June 19
-Ron,
Juneteenth, a blend of the words "June" and "nineteenth," is an emancipation celebration that is said to have begun on June 19, 1865, when Union Army soldiers arrived in Texas and informed slaves that they were free. It took this news two years, six months, and nineteen days after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to reach the slaves of Texas. Learning of their freedom, the joyful ex-slaves set out to find family members from whom they had been separated (thus the emphasis on family reunions at this time), and finally follow their dreams. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society. Although emancipation is regarded as a seminal event in American history, there has never been a federal holiday to observe the end of North American slavery. Nevertheless, that momentous June 19 celebration in Texas -- commonly called Juneteenth -- is quickly becoming a staple in many parts of the U.S., and in more than ten countries around the world. For Young Readers: Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan It's a fine day in June. Cassandra's family has just moved from the city back to her parents' hometown in Texas. Cassandra likes her new house, and her new school is okay, but Texas doesn't quite feel like home yet. Cassandra wonders what summer in this new place will hold. What Cassandra doesn't know is that her family has a surprise for her -- a Texas tradition. As she helps prepare red velvet cake, fried chicken, and piles of other dishes, Cassandra wonders what makes June 19th so important. After all, Memorial Day has passed and the 4th of July is still two weeks away. It isn't until Cassandra and her family arrive downtown that she discovers what the commotion is about. It's Juneteenth, and the town is holding its annual Juneteenth Jamboree. In the process of learning the significance of the celebration, Cassandra realizes that she and her family have indeed come home to family and tradition. ronn
Ryan,
Tuesday, June 18
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