Today is Juneteenth, a commemoration of a milestone in the ending of slavery in the United States. The date is getting more recognition this year. LSU Chief Diversity Officer Dereck Rovaris says today is a celebration of the final group of enslaved African Americans learning of their emancipation.
“It was June 19, 1865, when a group of Union soldiers came to Galveston, Texas, and delivered the message and so their was a great rejoicing and celebration,” said Rovaris.
Rovaris says Juneteenth is often confused with being a celebration of the emancipation proclamation. While it is not officially a national holiday, Rovaris feels that may not be far off.
“With the current climate of the country I think it’s coming. I think it is absolutely coming. There were a number of major organizations and corporations that actually recognize it as a paid holiday for their employees,” said Rovaris.
Rovaris says the celebration of the day can be done like another recognizable summer holiday.
“They liken it to what you would do on the 4th of July. Get together with family and friends and kind of commemorate an independence for African Americans from slavery,” said Rovaris.
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