Here is a personalized Tale of Juneteenth written by this Texas Country Boy-The Living Breathing James Brown.

Enjoy!

The humid Texas air hung heavy, pregnant with the scent of salt and anticipation. It was Juneteenth, 1865, and the sun beat down on the bustling streets of Galveston, Texas. The air buzzed with the whispers of hope, the echoes of rumors that had been carried on the wind for days, weeks, even months. The whispers spoke of freedom, of an end to the chains that had bound them for generations.

The Johnson family, like countless others, had gathered at the bustling port, their hearts pounding with a mixture of hope and fear. They had left behind the cotton fields of Louisiana, hoping for a better life. It was a life where their children could learn and work for themselves, a life free from the whips of overseers.

Mama Johnson, her weathered hands clasped tightly, watched as her children, Sarah and Daniel, played amongst the chattering crowds. They didn’t understand the weight of the whispers that filled the air, but their laughter was a testament to the enduring spirit of hope that lived within them.

Suddenly, a young man, his face etched with both excitement and apprehension, rushed through the crowd, his voice echoing in the air. “The news is true! The news is true!” he cried. “We are free! The Emancipation Proclamation has finally reached Texas!”

A wave of disbelief washed over the crowd. Some scoffed, their faces a mask of cynicism. Others, their eyes filled with a desperate longing, searched for confirmation, for a glimmer of truth in the young man’s words.

Daniel, his eyes wide with wonder, tugged at his mother’s skirt. “Mama, is it true? Are we truly free?”

Mama Johnson hesitated, her heart a tempest of conflicting emotions. She had lived a lifetime under the shadow of slavery, had seen the cruelty of the lash and the despair in the eyes of her fellow slaves. Could this really be true?

Just then, a group of trusted community leaders, their faces etched with seriousness, rushed towards the Union soldiers stationed near the docks. They spoke urgently, their words carried on the breeze.

Daniel, his small hand gripping his mother’s tightly, looked at the scene unfolding before him. The soldiers, their faces grim, listened intently. A hush fell over the crowd as they watched, their breaths held in anticipation.

Then, it happened. The soldiers, with a solemnity that echoed the weight of the moment, raised their hands, a sign of respect and confirmation. The soldiers had spoken to the leaders and confirmed the news.

A cheer erupted, a cacophony of joy that echoed off the buildings, a chorus of relief that lifted the weight from the hearts of the crowd. Tears streamed down Mama Johnson’s face, tears of joy and gratitude, tears of a lifetime of longing finally fulfilled.

Sarah, her young face alight with the promise of a brighter future, jumped up and down, her laughter a melody that carried on the wind.

The news, like a wildfire, spread through the city, lighting up the faces of every person touched by its truth. The chains of slavery, for so long a reality, were broken. The future, though uncertain, held a glimmer of hope, a promise of a life lived free. The day, etched in the hearts of the Black community, became known as Juneteenth. It was the day they finally tasted the sweetness of freedom, a day that would forever be remembered.

Did the Story not resonate with you? Why is this day important? To finally learn of your FREEDOM from SLAVERY had to be an exhilarating time of Happiness and sudden great Fear. Happiness to be finally Free, and Fear of what the future of being Free meant? Throughout America’s History, the Black Community has had to fight for all the Rights that they have achieved, but to be 100% truthful in all acceptances, this 100% may never come for any of us. Maybe it’s out of reaching all of 🇺🇸. We don’t fully understand what 100% means. We think we do, but with Age, you will one day see what I have come to learn.

The more I study, the more I learn that so many of us have not fully achieved some form of the American Dream. Why is that? I think a lot of that comes down to so many different factors and many are out of reach to all of us..

And I know what being poor means always wearing hand me down clothes and not never no new clothes. And how we Talk? Poor people have their own way of Talking and I learned my poor person talk from my own grandparents words. It’s what they knew and we loved each other. Only others pointed out How poorly I talked. But face it, all Texans talk different to the rest of 🇺🇸.

Sadly, once I wanted to get a Masters in English and that’s my Major. But the Woman I talked to at the University I was about to Apply too said this-Sir, I can tell by the way you talk that you’ll need to take at least 20 more hours of Undergraduate Courses.

Who says that sort of Crap? You tell me. But I never took any more Courses.

How would you like to be enslaved to grow one Major Crop and it’s King in some States. What is it?

COTTON!

And I’ve picked cotton by hand in Rotan, Texas and it’s hard work dragging that huge sack along and thru the field of Cotton. And once I watched an old widow lady kill A big Rattlesnake on Cotton Picking Day. A lot of Blacks and Whites of my Generation have picked Cotton, but now it is mostly down by big machinery. But when our generation dies, most won’t remember what we done, just what you do. And whatever it is you do with your life, make it the best life you could ever live. Amen!

Now, let’s look at Juneteenth and Why we should Celebrate it-

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Liberation and Black Resilience

Have you ever heard of a holiday called Juneteenth? June 19th holds immense significance in Black history, marking the end of slavery in the United States.

It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and education, especially for young minds. So, let’s dive into the rich story of Juneteenth and why it’s a crucial part of Black history!

The Long Road to Freedom

Imagine a world where you weren’t free. That was the reality for millions of enslaved Africans brought to America. Though the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states, the news traveled slowly. It wasn’t until June 19th, 1865, over two years later, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with a message that would change everything: enslaved people in Texas were finally free!

Juneteenth: A Day of Joy is Born

June 19th, 1865, became a day of immense joy and celebration for Black Americans in Texas. It was a day of “Juneteenth,” a name combining “June” and “nineteenth.” People gathered for prayer meetings, sang spirituals, and donned new clothes, symbols of their newfound freedom.

Juneteenth: More Than Just a Party

Juneteenth is more than just a party. It’s a day to remember the struggles and sacrifices of enslaved people.

It’s a day to celebrate Black resilience, the incredible ability to overcome hardship. It’s also a day to reflect on the journey towards true equality, a journey that continues even today.

How We Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations have evolved over time, spreading across the United States. Parades, picnics, and barbecues are common, often featuring delicious red foods like watermelon, a symbol of resilience during slavery. Educational events and historical re-enactments keep the stories of the past alive.

Why Juneteenth Matters to Kids

Juneteenth is a vital part of Black history, and understanding it is important for all children. It teaches them about the fight for freedom, the importance of perseverance, and the rich cultural heritage of Black Americans. By celebrating Juneteenth, we ensure these stories are never forgotten and inspire future generations to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Let’s Celebrate Together!

This Juneteenth, why not join the celebration? Find a local event, learn about Black history with your kids, or even cook up a red velvet cake! Every action, big or small, helps keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive. Let’s celebrate freedom, remember the past, and work towards a brighter future, together.

Now read a Great Book-

Read along as JeanPaul transforms into the Panther. An exciting four Book Series!