Juneteenth – June 19th, 2024

A Celebration

In the words of Mary Elliott, Curator of American Slavery,

“It took the creation of the Emancipation Proclamation, the end of the Civil War, and the passage of the 13th Amendment to finally end slavery throughout the nation. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people.”

My parents and grandparents outlined the meaning and purpose of Juneteenth with me when I was five years of age. We were told that it was a time to celebrate, reflect and understand your mission to continue the quest of my ancestors. 

According to Angela Tate, Curator of African American Women's History,

“Juneteenth is a time to reflect. What does it mean to really celebrate our freedom? What does it mean to be free in moments where freedom is conditional, and freedom is always a challenge? Juneteenth is a moment to think about freedom being conditional freedom and it is something that we must continuously strive and fight for.”

I heard the stories of my great grandfather’s and grandmother’s journey in Mississippi. I recall my aunt, Jean King, led the rent strike in the St. Louis Darst Webbe in a quest for equal living accommodations and affordable rent.  Her leadership led to a new model for public housing.

Equally inspiring, I heard the stories of my great grandmother’s thriving restaurant, LoveMe Lunchroom in Mill Creek Valley, Missouri. It was open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The entire neighborhood, home to 20,000 persons (95% black), over 800 businesses, churches and other institutions, and center of St. Louis’s black community, was erased forever from our civic life by what was labeled "Urban Renewal."

I remember my grandmother gathering me and my siblings around our piano to see “the one and only song she ever played and sang for us…….” Lift Every Voice And Sing.

I am constantly reminded that our work is not done. As we continue to educate and motivate the future generations of leaders, I lean on the strength of my legacy and stand strong in my purpose to be a blessing to others and a catalyst for the betterment of the St. Louis Community.

- Leslie Holloway