What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates a pivotal moment in American history and has a deeper meaning than you think. Normalize changing your opinion when presented with new information. Many think it is just a holiday for the black community, it's way more than that. If you value freedom, you might want to stick around.
“Juneteenth is considered the second Independence Day" said Tyrone Ledford, Child Development Professor, President of Holistic Divine Innovations & Ridgecrest Community Garden. "We know the Fourth of July is our first Independence Day, which was the United States’ independence from Great Britain. But Juneteenth represents the civil war that was going on between the free states and the Confederacy, the South, which Texas was included in.
People may not be aware that the Emancipation Proclamation took place in 1863, the 13th amendment, and that Proclamation was the freedom of slaves.”
He goes on to tell us that Texas did not follow the 13th Amendment, and that there were 250 slaves who were not freed. Two years later, the freed slaves and white supporters marched to Texas to free those who remained as slaves. They accomplished this on June 19, 1865.
No one is free until we are all free
Juneteenth embodies the belief that "No one is free until we are all free - Martin Luther King Jr."
Many think Juneteenth is just a Black holiday. “We try to get people to understand is it represents freedom. It represents allies, unity, love and community because it wasn’t just Black people who were fighting for freedom. It was people who believe that everyone should be free.” said Tyrone Ledford.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a powerful celebration of African American culture, heritage, and the long, arduous journey toward freedom and equality.
The Ongoing Fight
Juneteenth a day to acknowledge the immense struggles and triumphs of those who fought tirelessly for justice. It's also a poignant reminder that the pursuit of equality continues to this day. The spirit of Juneteenth embodies unity and the enduring strength of community. It's a time to reflect on the progress made, while acknowledging the work that remains in ensuring freedom and justice for all.
Beyond Borders
The message of Juneteenth resonates far beyond the borders of the United States. In a world where conflicts and struggles for basic rights persist, from the battlefields of Ukraine to the fight for self-determination in Palestine, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of our shared human journey towards justice and peace.
Ridgecrest Community Garden’s Juneteenth Bash: A Sun-Kissed Celebration of Unity!
Drawing inspiration from the spirit of Juneteenth, the Ridgecrest Community Garden hosted a vibrant celebration on June 19th. This event wasn't just about commemorating freedom; it was a chance to deepen community bonds and honor shared heritage. Partnering with local businesses and organizations, the event underscored collective efforts to support equity and inclusion.
🎤 Inspiring Moments and Vibrant Performances
A meaningful speech by Tyron Ledford emphasized unity and community support, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. This was followed by an enchanting dance performance that added energy and excitement to the celebration.
🌿 A Bloomin’ Good Time
The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming, and the BBQ cookout filled the air with mouth-watering aromas that kept everyone coming back for more. The garden was alive with music, chatter, and the undeniable sense of togetherness that makes Ridgecrest so special.
🎨 Workshops and Fun Activities
From arts and crafts to beading workshops and DIY t-shirts, the event buzzed with creativity. Kids enjoyed thrilling scavenger hunts in the garden, uncovering clues and smiles along the way.
For those who couldn’t make it, no worries—next year’s celebration promises to be even bigger and better. So, get ready to join in the fun once again at Ridgecrest’s favorite garden party. Until then, keep blooming, Ridgecrest! 🌼🎶
📍 Stay Connected:
- Address: 231 W Haloid, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
- Email: communitygarden.ridgecrest@gmail.com
- Facebook: Ridgecrest Community Garden
- Instagram: ridgecrest_community_garden
