Juneteenth is the celebration of African American freedom and achievement and the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The event dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Tex., with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of Jan. 1, 1863; the proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the fact that there were few Union troops to enforce the new executive order. But with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the troops were finally strong enough to overcome the resistance. Texas became the last state to learn of the Confederate surrender and the freeing of slaves.

June 19, which was shortened to Juneteenth among celebrants, has become the African American addendum to our national Independence Day. The Emancipation Proclamation did not bring about emancipation, and the prevailing portrayal of Independence Day ignores the disgraceful incidence of slavery entirely. Although initially associated with Texas and other southern states, the civil rights era and the Poor People’s March to Washington in 1968, in particular helped spread the tradition all across America. Typical activities associated with Juneteenth included prayer, speeches, recitation of slave stories, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, dances, games and plenty of food.

Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday on Jan. 1, 1980, and several states have since issued proclamations recognizing the holiday. Juneteenth is promoted not only as a commemoration of African American freedom, but as an example and encouragement of self-development and respect for all cultures.

For all its historical past and cultural significance, 145 years later, African Americans continue to work to change their future rather than focus on the past. The Martha’s Vineyard chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) embraces that very mindset, focusing on economic and social justice issues, building upon the civil rights struggles of the past, promoting an agenda filled with hope and not hate for a more just and civil society. Juneteenth is a day of reflection and renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time to appreciate the African American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities. Juneteenth is a day when honor and respect is paid for the sufferings of slavery. It is a day to acknowledge the evils of slavery and its aftermath. We think about that moment in time when the enslaved in Galveston, Tex., received word of their freedom. We imagine the depth of the emotions for those who had only known America as a place of servitude and oppression, the jubilant dance and the fear of the unknown.

On Juneteenth, celebrations are held for the young and old to come together to listen, learn and refresh the drive to achieve. It is a day when we all take one step closer together, to better utilize the energy wasted on racism. This is the day that beckons us to build a more just society. Juneteenth is a day to pray for peace and liberty for all.

Please join in a celebration and reception at Deon’s Restaurant in Oak Bluffs on Saturday, June 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Laurie Perry-Henry is president of the Vineyard chapter of the NAACP.