Today marks Juneteenth, a significant day in American history that many may not be fully aware of. If you’re a fan of the show “Family Matters”, you might remember an episode that delved into this uniquely African-American holiday. Juneteenth is a holiday that deserves wider recognition, and what better way to learn about it than through a show like “Family Matters” — known for its insightful and humorous take on important issues like race and society?
The “Family Matters” Episode
In the premiere of Season 4, the characters are presented with a school play about Christopher Columbus, but the father, Michael, is having none of the sanitized version of history that glosses over colonialism. He wonders why Juneteenth isn’t celebrated in schools. In a vibrant musical number reminiscent of “Hamilton”, the cast of “Family Matters” educates viewers about this crucial holiday. If you haven’t seen it yet, I encourage you to check out the powerful song “We Built This”, which highlights how the foundations of this nation were built on the backs of enslaved individuals. Take a moment to watch it.
Understanding Juneteenth
To put it in context, even after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the 13th Amendment’s ratification in 1865, slavery persisted, particularly in the South. It wasn’t until Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news of emancipation on June 19, 1865 — two and a half years after the war had ended — that slavery truly came to an end in that state. Yes, you read that right — TWO AND A HALF YEARS.
Juneteenth commemorates this pivotal moment, highlighting the true conclusion of slavery in the U.S. This raises the question: Why does America readily celebrate Columbus, who has a controversial legacy, yet barely acknowledges a day that symbolizes freedom for all? “We don’t celebrate the end of slavery, but you wake us up early on Cyber Monday?” quipped one of the characters, pointing out the irony.
The Importance of Education
The truth is, many people, including those within the Black community, might not have learned about Juneteenth due to the whitewashing of history in educational texts. When Michael discusses the absence of a holiday dedicated to the end of slavery with his colleagues, they dismiss Juneteenth as a celebration. “You have MLK Day and Black History Month,” one co-worker said. True, but with slavery lasting for centuries, doesn’t it seem a bit inadequate to limit the recognition to just those days? In the show, Michael’s partner, Maya, cuts to the chase: “Discussions about slavery make white people uncomfortable, and they tend to avoid discomfort.”
This is why “Family Matters” excels — it brings important yet challenging topics to the forefront in a way that encourages meaningful dialogue without alienating viewers. Juneteenth can be seen as Black America’s equivalent to the Fourth of July. As Michael pointed out, “You wouldn’t tell white or Jewish individuals they only get one holiday.”
Celebrating Juneteenth
While Michael hopes for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday, it’s also essential for the Black community to celebrate a day that is uniquely ours. Capitalism has commodified other observances like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, while Black History Month often falls short, focusing on a handful of figures rather than the vast contributions of the community. At the very least, awareness and education about Juneteenth should be prioritized. Knowledge is power.
Next year, I plan to pop open a bottle of strawberry soda (my personal favorite) and whip up some red velvet cupcakes — both popular ways to celebrate — with my family. We will take a moment to reflect on the historical progress made since that significant day, June 19, 1865.
Further Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, Juneteenth is a day that warrants recognition as it marks the true end of slavery in the United States. Celebrating it can foster important discussions about history and equality in America.