Juneteenth is a vibrant celebration of freedom, resilience, and cultural identity. For the uninitiated, Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the enslaved African Americans of their liberation – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
This day of liberation has been vividly captured in various forms of art and expression, serving as an important reminder of the past, a celebration of progress, and a rallying cry for the future. Through their creative pursuits, African American artists highlight the significance of Juneteenth and further its connection to self-care and wellness.
Freedom through Song
Music has been a form of resistance, expression, and healing in African American communities. Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys' performance of "Perfect Way to Die" at the 2020 BET Awards was a powerful tribute to the black lives lost to racial violence. Her emotionally charged performance, on the eve of Juneteenth, used music as a tool for healing and raising awareness, reminding listeners to take time for collective mourning, a crucial aspect of communal self-care.The Healing Power of Literature
Literature offers a powerful platform for understanding and empathy. In her critically acclaimed novel "Juneteenth," Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ralph Ellison explores the African American experience, racial identity, and the complexity of freedom. Such literature allows readers to understand their history and identity better, encouraging self-care through self-knowledge and creating a shared sense of community and belonging.
Visual Art: A Window to the Past and Future
Visual art offers a unique perspective on history and the potential for the future. Artist and activist Bisa Butler uses quilt as her medium to capture African American history. Her work "Freedom Fighters," pays homage to five key figures of the Civil Rights Movement. Butler's quilts not only celebrate freedom but also highlight the comfort, warmth, and healing offered by such traditional art forms, directly tying into the theme of self-care and wellness.
Spoken Word: Expressing Freedom
Spoken word has been a powerful tool for expressing the African American experience. Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet, has often used her platform to highlight racial issues. Her poem "We Rise," delivered at the 2018 Juneteenth celebration in Los Angeles, encapsulates the spirit of Juneteenth. Such
powerful performances inspire listeners,
encourage reflection, and promote
mental wellbeing. Dance: The Rhythm of Resilience
Dance has been a fundamental expression of culture and liberation. Alvin Ailey, a renowned choreographer and activist, founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to celebrate the African American cultural experience through dance. The company's performance of "Revelations" at their 2020 virtual Juneteenth celebration is a testament to resilience and freedom. Dance, with its physical and emotional release, contributes significantly to self-care and wellness.
Juneteenth, steeped in a profound historical legacy, continues to inspire a diverse range of art and expression. This creative output plays a dual role in remembering the past and igniting the path forward, while also fostering self-care and wellness within the African American community. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we pay homage to the power of freedom, the resonance of art, and the essential role of self-care in cultivating a healthy, thriving community.