Calgarians gather to recognize Juneteenth in commemoration of the end of slavery
Saturday marked the 156th anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S. as Calgarians gathered to appreciate and reflect on the time racial reckoning.
Juneteenth is a combination of the words ‘June’ and ‘19’ – a commemoration of June 19, 1865 when union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the American Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
The announcement was a full two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which took place on Jan. 1, 1863.
A couple hundred people attended a celebration Saturday at Shaw Millennium Park for the celebration.
Taylor McNallie with Inclusive Canada says racism in Calgary and across Canada is far from over, but has instead taken new forms.
It’s why she’s honouring Juneteenth as a day to continue the fight for change, equality and a true celebration of diversity.
“Black people are still being lynched, still being murdered by police, there are still so many policies that need to be changed down to classifying what is a hate crime, to accessibility in health-care, to what’s being taught in our schools,” McNallie said.
“Holding events like this brings that form of understanding and communication and sharing.”
Meanwhile, other grassroots activists like Autumn Eaglespeaker, who is a member of both Black and Blackfoot Indigenous communities, is calling on government leaders to evoke real change.
“It’s important to acknowledge this day as a way of moving forward and revealing the true histories in Canada and the United States,” she said.
“We must eliminate race-based policies and legislation which includes the eradication of the Indian Act, for the federal government to implement the actual 92 calls to action for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”
Saturday’s celebration comes just a couple days after U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation into law declaring Juneteenth (June 19) an official federal holiday.
This year, Canada voted to recognize Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day, which marks the day when the British Empire abolished slavery.
In Alberta, the first Monday of August known as Heritage Day is also a civic holiday which is historically connected to the end of slavery as it celebrates the diversity of all people.
CALGARY JUNETEENTH INCLUSIVE LITERATURE PROGRAM
The U.S. consulate in Calgary has partnered up with Calgary Reads to donate books that are inclusive in celebration with Juneteenth.
Lucia Piazza, the U.S. consul-general in Calgary, says it’s important for the younger generation to gain an understanding of racial history and create awareness.
“Really it’s designed for young Calgarians to see themselves reflected in literature and allow young people of colour to be empowered and proud of their individual culture, identity and history.”
So far, 360 books have been donated to share the history and culture of Black Americans.
Education is especially important for young Calgarians like 10-year-old Zinhle Xenis.
“It’s so amazing how so many people are standing up for the racism that is out there because I’ve seen a lot of racist people and it’s not nice for them to be doing that and it just hurts,” she said.
“It’s important for people my age to learn about this because this is something we need to recognize in the world that racist people should stop, this is not a good thing.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.