Honoring Juneteenth and Supporting Mental Health by Kristie Wynn, MSW

Juneteenth is truly a time of celebration. It serves as a month for the Commemoration of Freedom, honoring the legacy of slavery while inspiring the ongoing struggle for racial equality. It is also a month for Cultural Celebration, featuring community gatherings filled with music, food, and cherished family reunions that celebrate our shared heritage. Additionally, it provides an Educational Opportunity, acting as a platform to discuss the history of slavery, the Civil War, and the relentless fight for civil rights, fostering awareness and unity.

History of Juneteenth: 

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, and took effect on January 1, 1863. However, enslaved people in the Confederacy were not freed until the Union army was able to take control. On June 18, 1865, the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas, and the following day, General Gordon Granger announced that the slaves in Texas were free by order of the president of the United States. 

The former slaves in Galveston celebrated the day of their freedom, and the first Juneteenth celebration occurred the very next year. This annual celebration began to spread throughout Texas and into neighboring states but lost popularity in the early 1900s. It regained traction in the 1950s and 1960s, and in 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday. By 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden.

Mental Health Implications of Juneteenth:

Promoting Mental Health Equity: The holiday highlights the importance of recognizing mental health disparities within the Black community and advocates for the need for culturally competent mental health services, ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve.

Healing from Trauma: Juneteenth offers a compassionate opportunity to acknowledge and heal from the multigenerational trauma of slavery and its lasting impact on mental health, fostering understanding and support for those who carry this burden. 

Promoting Mental Health Equity: The holiday highlights the importance of recognizing mental health disparities within the Black community and advocates for the need for culturally competent mental health services, ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve.

Resilience and Hope: This celebration serves as a testament to the incredible strength and perseverance of the Black community in the face of adversity, nurturing hope and optimism for a brighter future. 

Validation and Empowerment: Juneteenth provides a safe space for Black individuals to feel their experiences are validated, allowing them to embrace empowerment and understanding among their peers.