(OPINION) Texas Father Has Important Juneteenth Message: "This is only the beginning."

HOUSTON - “When I look at the date (1865) and I was born in 1965 [I think], how grateful I am that I was born in 1965... A hundred years ago I could’ve been a part of slavery.”

This Juneteenth holiday, my father and Houstonian, Keenan Turner like many today, took the time to talk to his family about the meaning of the holiday. I view my father as a man who grew up during the post-civil rights era in America, who fought for his country, and his family. He joins countless others who held Friday a little bit tighter.

“A lot more people are aware,” he said, “I think it’s a step forward in terms of recognizing the African American plight in America.”

For Americans who do not know the history of Juneteenth, it is one of the oldest know celebrations commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This day dates back to the end of the Civil War in April of 1865. This was during the same time when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves. However, many southern slaves did not know of their newfound freedom. On June 19, 1865, this all changed. Union General Gordon Granger led thousands of troops to Galveston, Texas to announce the ending of the war and slavery. To this day it is said that there were an estimated 250,000 slaves who had no idea of their freedom. To commemorate those that we had lost and those that unwillingly stayed in bondage we dedicate Juneteenth as a day of family and remembrance. Now, many continue the celebration by attending parades, cookouts, and spending time with family.

This year, many are celebrating Juneteenth after the recent weeks of protesting and societal change in America. In the social climate that we live in today, members of society are asking for justice and peace. Juneteenth symbolizes the continuous fight for freedom and equality, as many used this day to support black-owned businesses and celebrate black culture. Other states, more recently as a response to the uprising of racism in America, are encouraging and recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday. Additionally, many companies, such as Apple and Nike gave their employees the day off.

My father continued talking about his life as a black man fighting in the military and the importance of Juneteenth for him. “This is a holiday that is tied to the struggle that black people still have to face for the fight for freedom.” He continued, “What this also tells me is that this fight for freedom, has been pretty short. This is just the beginning.”

The fight for equality and freedom has been fought for decades, but for those born in the sixties, like my dad, this fight for them still feels fairly new. Each era has had its civil rights moment in America, this is ours. Juneteenth is a day of hope and remembrance as America continues to move forward to a better tomorrow. *