I experienced this sweet holiday back in 2007 at the St. Mary’ Community Center in Texas. That was definitely a turning point in my life. That was the moment I realized that Black English and culture in general was more amazing and longer than I imagined. I could interview people and participate in the service. That is definitely a day to remember.  We sang, talked and celebrated together as a family.

June 19, 1865, in Galveston,TX slavery was over in the United States and it had been celebrated on a yearly basis by African Americans as well as other people in much of the U.S. But hadn’t Abraham Lincoln declared the abolition on January 1, 1863? Yes, he did, but there were still 15 states practicing slavery and it took over 2 years to free all the black slaves. In the southern states, it took quite a while till the news were heard by the slaves.

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South (Read about the Confederate Flag).

But this one below is actually the Juneteenth Flag

The Juneteenth Flag represent the history, and freedom the American Slaves and their descendants. The design of the Juneteenth Flag depicts a bursting “new star”, on the horizon. The star represents A NEW FREEDOM, A NEW PEOPLE, A NEW STAR.

So let’s go further into the Juneteenth and its history. Watch this video below so that you can understand what happened back then in Galveston, TX.

Isn’t it interesting? Oh yeah, there’s a lot of history to be told and I hope I can help you find out some of the most fascinating topics regarding Black American History.

When I was in Texas back in 2007. I would like you to pay attention to what he sounds like. Oh yeah boy, his accent is beautiful and and takes me back. Enjoy it!

This woman below is Ms. Harriet Tubman. She was born into slavery, but escaped and subsequently made some thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved family and friends,using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

This message on the image tells a lot about the conditions that black slaves had been exposed to and believed to be “normal”. It is sad, but fortunately that condition came to an end and it is time to celebrate huh!!

In order for you to understand it as a whole, I would highly recommend you this video below. So it is time to get going. Enjoy the video and learn a lot about this celebration of freedom.

Don’t be a stranger!! Come back as often as you can. English Black Friday is for you to learn English through Black American culture, music, comedy, and so much more. For more about history, click on Marcus Garvey.

Thank you for coming out and showing your support.
This material has been selected, adapted, analyzed, and put together by Rodrigo P. Honorato.