Staff Reports
Many people woke up on the morning of June 19, 2025, feeling like something was off. It was Thursday, but it felt like much more than just another day of the workweek. With fewer folks on the streets and at work, it became clear that something significant was happening. Enter President Joe Biden, who decided to declare this date a federal holiday known as Juneteenth. But while it may have been a grand move on paper, many Americans, including your favorite writer, were left scratching their heads, wondering what exactly this holiday was all about.
Juneteenth marks the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned that they had been freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. So, what in the world was the intention behind making it a federal holiday? Some folks theorize that it was simply a political ploy to poke at former President Donald Trump, as he held a rally on June 19 a few years back. To some observers, Biden’s decision felt less like a heartfelt tribute and more like a hasty campaign move aimed at outmaneuvering Trump.
Fast forward to the celebrations connected to this holiday, and the results have been anything but peaceful. In various cities across the country, there were reports of chaos and violence during Juneteenth celebrations. For instance, in Willowbrook, Illinois, one person tragically lost their life, and 22 others were injured due to gunfire. Similarly, in Washington, D.C., a celebration turned into a nightmare when shots rang out, injuring several individuals, including a police officer. With so much confusion surrounding the holiday and all its reported incidents, it raises questions about whether a day off is truly worth the potential risks and dangers involved.
One could argue that acknowledging Juneteenth should be a moment of unity and reflection, yet instead, it sometimes feels like yet another reason for division among citizens. Critics of the holiday have likened it to celebrating the peculiar idea of knowing you were free, yet not realizing it for years. It may sound strange, but that’s the essence of this particular celebration. However, what’s even more puzzling is how so many people remain uninformed about Juneteenth despite its new federal holiday status.
As one might expect, Trump continues to play a role in this narrative. At a rally during his presidency, he was staggered to find out that people were bothered by his scheduling and timing on Juneteenth. Reports suggest that his administration had made prior statements observing the day, which created a whirlwind of confusion. It all adds up to an ongoing narrative—one that portrays a confused populace trapped in a web of political maneuvering, with Trump and Biden playing their parts in a dance that only seems to highlight deeper societal issues.
In the end, as workers across the nation enjoyed their day off from federal jobs and celebrated this new holiday, a tough conversation lingers. While observance of history is vital, is a day off every time central to genuine understanding and respect? Acknowledging cultural history is important, but perhaps our nation would benefit more from real discussions about meaning and connection rather than just adding another day off to the calendar. President Trump hinted at this too, suggesting there could be too many non-working holidays costing America thousands of dollars in lost productivity. As the debate surrounding Juneteenth continues, one thing is clear: the discourse around this holiday is far from over.
