Juneteenth remembrance
Holiday celebrates equality, freedom for all
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Area residents gathered in Oak Park for food, games and socializing Monday as Juneteenth was observed and celebrated in Minot.
The federal holiday brought core U.S. principles to mind for Minot Air Force Base leaders who spoke at a brief program as part of the activities organized by the African American Heritage Council and Acacia Lodge.
"It was only a few years ago that President Biden signed into law the declaration that today would be forever known as Juneteenth," said Col. Kenneth McGhee, commander of the 91st Missile Wing, "where we as Americans, no matter who you are, no matter where you're from, no matter what your age, no matter what you think, we will all take the time today to pause and to remember and to reflect on the accomplishments of not just African Americans in the country, not just other minority groups in the country or majority groups in the country. But this gives us a day to look across the table at every single one of us and celebrate how far we've come and look forward to a day and a time where we can continue to push for equity, for equality and justice for all."
McGhee related that the Emancipation Proclamation, signed on Jan.1, 1863, freed slaves in rebel states only. On Jan. 31, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment freed all slaves in the United States. However, two and a half years later, a group of U.S. officers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to discover slavery still practiced. At that time, on June 19, 1865, slavery was officially brought to an end across the country, McGhee recounted.
"Long before Juneteenth was a national holiday, this was something I was learning about in school from second grade," said Texas native Col. Michael Maginness, vice commander for the 5th Bomb Wing. "The proximity and the ability to actually go to Galveston and see where these events happened, it always resonated with me.
"Now that I'm in the Air Force," he added, "I don't see this as a celebration of differences. I see this as a celebration of our shared values. Every one of us has people we love. Every one of us has families. Every one of us has hobbies, interests. And the more we learn about each other and the more we learn about the roots of those interests and why they're important and what makes us tick, that just makes us so much better as we fight for a common goal. I think the common goal, the underlining thing here, is life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for everyone."
Juneteenth activities in Minot took place both Sunday and Monday.
