Juneteenth: Through the Eyes of an African American Wesleyan Holiness Leader
Ashton Villa in Galveston, TX, where General Granger announced General Order No.3. (Source: WikiCommons)
In the tapestry of American history, woven with threads of strife and triumph, there exists a day of profound significance that marked a new dawn for liberty. Juneteenth, a portmanteau of ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth’, stands as a beacon of freedom, a solemn remembrance of the shackles of slavery irrevocably broken.
General Gordon Granger's Announcement, General Order No. 3
On June 19th, 1865, the esteemed Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce General Order No. 3. This order proclaimed freedom for all enslaved people in Texas and it enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
The Emancipation Proclamation's impact in Texas was minimal due to the ongoing Civil War, the lack of Union troops to enforce it, the state's geographical size and isolation, and the opposition from slaveholders. Texas, as one of the last bastions of Confederate slavery, largely ignored Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Major shifts towards freedom for the estimated 250,000 enslaved individuals in Texas only occurred when General Granger and over 1,800 troops arrived in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War.
Although the 13th Amendment, which eradicated slavery in the United States, was ratified on December 6, 1865, and adopted twelve days later on December 18th, it was General Granger's announcement of General Order No. 3 on June 19th, 1865, that informed the enslaved people in Texas of their freedom. This action symbolized the end of slavery nationwide.
General Granger reads General Order No. 3
General Granger, possibly standing on the balcony of the Ashton Villa in Galveston, read aloud the following:
"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."
Juneteenth Celebrations begins
The day of General Granger's reading, June 19th, 1865, became Juneteenth, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day. The immediate response of the formerly enslaved people who heard they were free varied. Some experienced great jubilation and started celebrating immediately, while others were in shock or disbelief after years of oppression. For many, the announcement prompted cautious optimism as they could officially begin to lead their lives as free individuals.
As for the slave owners, some immediately complied and informed their slaves that they were free. However, some slave owners were angry and attempted to persuade their former slaves to stay in bondage or deceive them into believing that they were still indebted to their masters for the cost of their upkeep and must continue in servitude.
Celebrations that began the day of General Granger's announcement would eventually turn into the annual commemoration known as Juneteenth. Traditionally, the celebrations included prayer services, inspirational speeches, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and festive meals at family and community gatherings. It was a time for reassurance, planning for the future, and reflecting on a shared arduous journey in the United States. It was also the coming together of people of African descent in America to thank God for answering their prayers for deliverance and celebrating their newfound freedom.
As African Americans migrated from Texas across the United States, they took Juneteenth celebrations with them. Nevertheless, over the early 20th century, the observance of Juneteenth declined due to a confluence of factors: economic and political pressures that led many African Americans into oppressive labor conditions, assimilation pressures, the marginalization of Black history and culture in a predominantly white society, and the imposition of Jim Crow laws enforcing racial segregation.
However, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought new attention to Juneteenth's significance. The struggle for racial equality became a beacon of hope and progress, resulting in a resurgence of the celebration of Juneteenth, a symbolic date representing African American freedom and achievements in America.
In 1979, Texas, the State where General Granger announced General Order No. 3 on June 19th, 1865, became the first U.S. state to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Other states followed suit, and by the early 21st century, Juneteenth became a day of celebration and observance in most states. Right before Juneteenth was designated a national holiday, the push to make Juneteenth a federal holiday gained considerable momentum, particularly in response to the nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality following the deaths of several African Americans.
On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in the United States. It was formally established as "Juneteenth National Independence Day," 156 years after the first Juneteenth celebration, a pivotal historical milestone commemorating the end of slavery. It is a day to celebrate freedom and honor the strength, resilience, and dignity of those who suffered under slavery in America and the significant contributions of African Americans before and after the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the abolitionists who tirelessly advocated for freedom and achieved an end to slavery for those enslaved. Abolitionists' righteous stand against and efforts to end slavery caused many of them to experience much physical harm, significant losses financially and socially, and, in some cases, death.
John Wesley and Juneteenth
Many of these abolitionists were influenced by John Wesley's beliefs and his preaching against slavery, as well as his efforts to eradicate slavery in England and America. John Wesley himself was an abolitionist. His advocacy took the form of impassioned writings, sermons, conversations, and unwavering support for other abolitionists who worked tirelessly to end slavery. He firmly believed that slavery and all its forms were sins against humanity and God. Wesley's widely circulated pamphlet 'Thoughts Upon Slavery,' published in 1774, articulated his staunch opposition to slavery in both England and America. Wesley established the theological and moral foundation for many abolitionists, especially his adherents, the early Methodists, to lead and participate in efforts to eradicate slavery in England and America.
John Wesley's belief in the 'Imago Dei' concept—the view that every human being is created in the image of God and thus possesses inherent worth and dignity—strengthened his determination to abolish the inhumane and barbaric practice of slavery in England and America. Although John Wesley was not directly responsible for Juneteenth, his theological framework and influence on the abolitionists who fought to end slavery were undeniably significant and crucial to the eventual celebration of Juneteenth.
Therefore, for those steeped in the Wesleyan tradition, Juneteenth is more than a historical observance. It commemorates the end of slavery and the freedom of African Americans—and a cause for rejoicing and reflecting on the progress stemming from the holiness movement's advocacy for liberty. Juneteenth now beckons those within the Wesleyan circle to honor those who endured great suffering under slavery and those who fought for African Americans' freedom by helping people today break free from modern incarnations of enslavement—debt, human trafficking, ignorance, racism, sin, or crippling addictions.
Finishing the Work: A pathway forward
Juneteenth's recognition as a national holiday allows Wesleyan and Pan-Wesleyan Holiness leaders to continue and advance the legacy of abolitionists such as John Wesley, Francis Asbury, Orange Scott, Luther Lee, Sojourner Truth, Adam Crooks, Frederick Douglass, B.T. Roberts, Phoebe Palmer, Amanda Berry Smith, Richard Allen, Phineas F. Bresee, William and Catherine Booth, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, and many other Wesleyan Holiness leaders not cited in this incomplete list. Their combined efforts—articulated in their writings, sermons, speeches, and intimate dialogues—were instrumental in pricking the conscience of American leadership. This collective awakening was pivotal in putting an end to an egregiously immoral epoch in the nation's history and has continued to inspire the ongoing fight against racial injustice and inequality.
The end of slavery stands as a monumental achievement deserving of high honors, celebrations, and recognition through a national holiday. However, the mission is not entirely complete. While many abolitionists successfully campaigned against the existence of slavery, they often overlooked the deep-rooted systemic and structural racism that would endure beyond emancipation. This lack of foresight resulted in continuing discrimination and hardships for those freed by the Emancipation Proclamation.
Moreover, comprehensive strategies for integrating freed individuals into society were scarce among abolitionists and the United States Government. This neglect led to insufficient support structures for the formerly enslaved, who commonly encountered ongoing social and economic exclusion. Freedom without the tools, guidance, partnership, resources, and opportunities to survive and thrive only leads to a new form of bondage.
Despite its imperfections and constraints, the abolitionist movement was an indispensable change agent. Without it, only God knows how long slavery would have continued in the United States.
Today's Wesleyan and Pan-Wesleyan denominations, institutions, and leaders stand at a historic juncture in America. There is an incredible opportunity to join forces and carve out a new future in the era after Juneteenth and its establishment as a national holiday. Wesleyan Holiness leaders whose heritage is rooted in a profound dedication to personal and social holiness and the dismantling of slavery in America are uniquely equipped to elevate and expand the Juneteenth holiday. They can transform it into more than a mere occasion for celebration and reflection into a season of:
Meaningful conversations: Juneteenth presents a unique opportunity for leaders of racially predominant Wesleyan and Pan-Wesleyan denominations and institutions to engage in meaningful discussions about racism, injustice, gender inequality, and various reforms needed in society.
Confronting the gentrification and watering-down of Juneteenth's genuine significance: Wesleyans and Pan-Wesleyans must work together to oppose the intentional co-opting of Juneteenth by entities or groups that neglect to honor the profound historical context of Juneteenth in school books or reduce a deeply important cultural observance to a mere summer event or cookout. Attempts at minimizing the painful history of slavery and the fight for racial equality and justice, as well as commercializing the day with superficial or insensitive celebrations that place profit above remembrance and educational value, must also be met with resistance and critique.
Engagement and collaboration: Forming partnerships with people and organizations dedicated to advocating for marginalized groups, such as immigrants, the homeless, those often ignored by society and the oppressed.
Education and reflection: Congregations can prioritize ongoing education about the history and legacy of slavery, segregation, and racism. Understanding and acknowledging the past is vital to shaping a future that avoids the shortcomings of previous generations. That can involve study groups, sermon series, partnering with educational institutions, or inviting an African American congregation and speaker, descendants of enslaved people, to speak and share a moment on Juneteenth or the Sunday before Juneteenth.
Reconciliation and relationship building: Churches can facilitate forums, small groups, and service projects that unite diverse individuals, fostering a sense of hope, optimism, reconciliation, and intentional relationship-building across racial divides. As I travel to speak with and engage our Wesleyan Holiness family throughout the United States and Worldwide, I carry this message to denominations, institutions, and leaders within the Wesleyan Holiness movement: “We are better together; we need each other, and by working together rather than separately or just within our respective organizations, we can accomplish more for God's glory and humanity.”
Advocacy and justice: Increasing involvement in the fight for equality and fairness—particularly in the areas of criminal justice reform, housing, healthcare, education, and economic advancement—can start with writing opinion pieces for local newspapers, addressing local politicians, or connecting with advocacy social groups. Speaking out against racism, inequality, and injustice is a way to take a more active role in these crucial issues.
Spiritual formation around diversity: Incorporating the themes of liberation and equity into the fabric of spiritual formation can help believers see the work of justice as integral to their faith.
Celebration and remembrance: Juneteenth can also be a time for spiritual communities to celebrate African American culture and remember the tragedies of the past through music, art, storytelling, and worship that reflect those traditions.
Community engagement: Local churches could increase their involvement in addressing systemic issues affecting African American communities and other marginalized groups. That includes investing in local minority-owned businesses, supporting educational opportunities, and providing social services.
Prayer and lamentation: Gathering with diverse congregations for a day or evening of prayer is a powerful channel for addressing the sins of racism and representing our collective longing for justice and peace.
Creating inclusive spaces: Wesleyan and Pan-Wesleyan Holiness churches can examine their structures and practices to strive for authenticity and inclusiveness, ensuring that leadership, worship, and ministry opportunities reflect the diversity of the body of Christ.
Collaboration across traditions: Wesleyan Holiness leaders, denominations, and institutions can enhance their engagement with Juneteenth celebrations by initiating joint projects with counterparts from different racial backgrounds. Such collaborations can strengthen their collective response to this significant event.
Crafting a strategy now for next year's Juneteenth festivities and partnerships: Now is the time to connect with Juneteenth celebrants to explore events that can take place next year at a church, civic center, park, or event space that celebrates and honors the true meaning of Juneteenth.
As we honor this day, let us also recommit ourselves to the essential Christian endeavor: to uplift the downtrodden, heal divisions, and fervently pursue the holiness that calls for justice, mercy, and humble service. A timeless maxim, often attributed to John Wesley but whose true source remains unknown, can serve as a guiding principle as we seek to honor and celebrate Juneteenth:
Do all the good you can,
by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can,
in all the places you can,
at all the times you can,
to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can.
Bishop John Mark Richardson, Sr., is the Regional Bishop of the Western United States Region of the Church of God in Christ, and Executive Director of the Wesleyan Holiness Connection.