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Two milestones of freedom: Juneteenth and Independence Day! President Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth a Federal Holiday. America has two days of liberty to celebrate! July 4, 1776, commemorates the day when the 13 American Colonies declared independence from British rule. It is a National Day of Pride and celebration for America, marked by fireworks, gatherings, parades, and patriotic displays across the country. Independence Day signifies the birth of a new nation founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, freedom, and self-governance. However, it is crucial to recognize that the freedoms proclaimed on this day were not extended to the Black people enslaved and persecuted during this time. June 19, 1865, commemorates the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day celebrates liberty, justice, freedom, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth festivities center around Black history, culture, community, and self-ref lection. One key difference between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July is the nature of the freedoms they represent. While July 4 commemorates political independence from colonial power, June 19 celebrates the long-delayed liberation of a segment from America's dark history of a population from bondage. The struggle for equality and civil rights for Black Americans did not end with the abolition of slavery, and Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing quest for racial justice and equality for Black people in the United States. Another difference is that Juneteenth is primarily observed among African Americans. The signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, marks the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day designated in 1983. On Juneteenth 2023, President Biden issued a proclamation urging Americans to continue working together to address systemic racism and the injustices in America. With slavery in America officially ending 159 years ago, Juneteenth and the Fourth of July together represent the ongoing struggle for freedom for African Americans. Fully understanding the differences between these two holidays deepens our appreciation for the complexities of the American experience and the continuous pursuit of freedom and equality for all. AACC upcoming events: Club Meeting – Monday, June 3 Juneteenth Celebration – Saturday, June 22 For information contact, Jocelyn Doucette at cjs1speed@gmail. com. ~ Regina omas 46 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2024 African American Cultural Club