It’s the holiday season — Juneteenth, that is. Each year on June 19 many reflect and celebrate the holiday now known as Juneteenth. But why? What is Juneteenth, and why should it matter to you?

The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865, when troops for the northern states arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver a long-overdue message: The Civil War was over and all enslaved people were now free. That day marked the final and full enforcement of emancipation in the United States. Accordingly, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate liberation and a moment that continues to resonate deeply in the American consciousness.

Importantly, Juneteenth is not just Black history; it is truly American history. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of people who endured centuries of bondage and continue to struggle for equality and justice. In 2021, the United States government officially recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday. But beyond the barbecues, parades and community gatherings, Juneteenth challenges us to confront the full scope of our nation’s past and to recommit ourselves to building a more equitable future.

The origin of Juneteenth is, at its core, an illustration of delayed justice and its adverse impacts on our democracy. The Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued Jan. 1, 1863, declared that all enslaved people who lived in states that seceded from the United States were free people. Yet, in practice, that freedom was not immediate. On paper, enslaved individuals were free, but in many parts of our nation, many individuals did not actually attain freedom for quite some time. Most notably, in Texas, slavery persisted largely unchallenged until Union troops arrived to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation.

The 2 ½-year delay highlights a significant theme in American history: the journey from the promise and idea of freedom to its true realization. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that when justice is delayed, it is effectively denied. It encourages us to stay vigilant and committed to ensuring that our constitutional rights and freedoms are not just proclaimed but actively fulfilled and embraced.

This holiday is also a beautiful and vibrant celebration of Black culture, resilience and achievement. Across the nation, communities come together to enjoy good music, delicious food, intriguing storytelling and enlightening educational events. It’s a wonderful opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of African Americans in all areas of American life, such as history, science, politics, art and activism. 

In recent years, Juneteenth celebrations across Nevada and throughout our country have blossomed into vibrant and meaningful events. From Las Vegas to Reno, communities unite to honor our history and celebrate amazing progress. These gatherings are not only filled with joy but serve as valuable learning experiences, highlighting the struggles and successes of Black Nevadans. They also foster insightful discussions about racial equity, encouraging all of us to engage in a more inclusive and understanding future.

While some may still question the necessity of another national holiday or the significance of Juneteenth in our nation’s narrative, it’s essential to recognize that we still face enduring racial disparities. Issues such as wealth and education gaps, along with inequalities in health care and criminal justice, remind us that the impact of slavery and systemic racism is still very much a reality. The remnants of these atrocities are still present, even in Nevada. For example, throughout much of the 20th century, several Nevada cities practiced de facto housing segregation through redlining and housing discrimination. Consequently, Black residents were often restricted to specific neighborhoods, such as the area now known as the historic Westside of Las Vegas. 

More recently, a 2023 report by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health found that systemic racism continues to harm the health of Nevadans, particularly communities of color. According to the report, Black Nevadans are disproportionately affected by the state’s shortage of affordable housing. Many low-income renters are forced to make difficult trade-offs, often cutting back on nutritious food and essential health care just to pay the rent. These challenges are further intensified by a widespread shortage of physicians across Nevada, resulting in long waiting times and limited access to necessary medical care.

So, celebrating and recognizing Juneteenth is more than just a reflection of history; it’s a call to action to acknowledge and critically assess the systems that uphold inequality while we strive for a future where freedom and opportunity are accessible to everyone. This holiday inspires us to appreciate our progress while acknowledging the journey ahead, collectively and individually. Just as we honor Independence Day for its significance in our nation’s birth, we must also recognize Juneteenth as a critical milestone of our nation’s development and progress. 

This day is a reminder that freedom is not a finite resource. As one group experiences liberty in our state and our nation, we all inch closer to the goal of a more perfect union. In Nevada, a state that boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and diverse communities, embracing Juneteenth presents an exceptional opportunity to deepen our collective identity. Juneteenth offers a unique opportunity for each of us to actively listen, learn and grow together.

This year, I wholeheartedly encourage you to fully acknowledge and celebrate Juneteenth with purpose. Let’s use this day not only as a moment of remembrance but as an opportunity to renew our commitment to progress by building bridges among our communities, challenging injustices and nurturing a future where liberty and justice become tangible realities for every Nevadan. Juneteenth is much more than just a date on the calendar or a day off from work. It is a stark reminder that when justice is delayed anywhere, it results in justice being denied everywhere. And that is why we celebrate Juneteenth.

Caleb Green is an attorney and partner at Howard & Howard Attorneys. He serves as the president of the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association and the vice chair of the Young Lawyer’s Division of the National Bar Association, the largest organization of black lawyers, judges and legal professionals worldwide. 

The Nevada Independent welcomes informed, cogent rebuttals to opinion pieces such as this. They can be submitted here.