Celebrating the Art of Juneteenth
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated on June 19th and marks a pivotal moment in American history: the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The day originated in Galveston, Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the last enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom by Union soldiers. Although Juneteenth has only recently become a federal holiday, photos such as the one above, which shows a group of African American elders celebrating Juneteenth during the year 1900. The image demonstrates how photography is one of the many art mediums used to capture human experiences. Art has and continues to play a crucial role in capturing these moments of history that would otherwise be lost in time, especially the history involving BIPOC individuals. The fun in art is that it does not always have to be a big historic moment to be meaningful; everyday moments in a person’s life are just as great to observe. YWCA Mahoning Valley sees the beauty in those individual stories and recognizes historic moments with the Women Artists: A Celebration Art Show. The exhibition supports and showcases women’s art, along with raising funds for the YWCA housing program. This will be the 42nd year of seeing generations of artists’ narratives and perspectives through their art. The show includes art series events and a celebration party for artists that is open to the public. Visit ywcamahoningvalley.org/women-artists for more information about the July 12 Celebration Party and the show.
Stephenson, Mrs. Charles (Grace Murray). [Emancipation Day Celebration, June 19, 1900], photograph, June 19, 1900; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth124053/m1/1/: accessed May 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.