For US, it’s not about mariachi bands, fireworks, or wearing green
In Boston, celebrating the Tea Party that started a revolution
When I was a child, I didn’t give much thought to the cultural significance behind why we celebrate certain holidays. Like many kids do, I focused on the most visible aspects of the holiday and just enjoyed whatever the day would bring.
In school, Saint Patrick’s day meant students (in my predominantly African-American school) would get dressed up in our flyest green clothes, and have fun pinching other students who didn’t wear green. For me, that included wearing my shell-toed Adidas with green stripes, and a green suede Kangol hat to match. (The fake gold rope chain was optional.) Most of us didn’t know about the history of the Irish patron Saint Patrick and his efforts to bring Christianity to Ireland. But it was understood that our school, like schools nationwide, considered St. Patrick’s day a holiday worthy of celebration. Regardless of race/background, most students and teachers observed the day together.
Cinco de Mayo meant we were welcomed into the Hispanic neighborhoods to enjoy some delicious food, vibrant Mariachi music and dancing in the streets. We didn’t know about the 1862 Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces defeated European invaders. But, it was great to see how the city (and others nationwide) encouraged citizens of all races to come together.
Taj & Max the Dog celebrating July 4th, 2014
Columbus day, to childhood-me, was just a day off to celebrate the dude who discovered America (as we were taught in class.) I didn’t know about the particular details that still cause controversy today. I had never heard of Leif Eriksson’s journey, nor Columbus’ encounters with Native Americans. I just welcomed a day away from school, along with kids across the nation celebrating the story of the three ships sailing to find a new world.
July 4th was all about the fireworks! Sure, I knew the holiday was centered around celebrating America’s independence. But as a kid I was more preoccupied with launching bottle rockets and throwing firecrackers. Besides, my Grandmother (a wise, yet justifiably-protective woman who experienced far more racism than I) was quick to remind me about the context of the holiday.
“Have fun,” she would say, as I frantically waved sparklers in the air. “But remember, 1776 marks American independence for THEM, not for US.” Grandma would then tell me the story of what we celebrate now as “Juneteenth” (although history shows it had other names like “Emancipation Day,” or “Jubilee Day.”)
A younger me, celebrating Holi, the Hindu festival of colors
Unlike other holidays celebrated with citizens of all races, stories of Juneteenth lived primarily within my local Black community as a child. Although we did have neighborhood celebrations, they were attended mostly by African-Americans. Few of my classmates or teachers had ever heard of the holiday, and those who did only had vague reference to “one of those Black holidays, like Martin Luther King day.” News media rarely reported on Juneteenth, and businesses made no concessions or promotions to highlight it. My perception was that the rest of America viewed Juneteenth (and other holidays that are of significance to African-Americans) as a holiday for Black people, not us as a Nation of people — united citizens of a country.
My Grandmother (RIP) celebrating Polynesian culture
Today, I’m noticing an increased collective interest in Juneteenth. I see several mainstream media outlets reporting on the topic. Now that it’s a federal holiday I’ve seen more businesses than ever promoting it as part of their community engagement. I wish my Grandmother were still alive to see such widespread interest, as it serves to remind us that there’s still hope – hope for us to progress as a united group of Americans, and get on the same page when it comes to equality.
In the military, where we’re more likely to interact with different people from diverse backgrounds, we have a head start on achieving this goal. I’ll continue to do my part by learning more about the “why” behind the culture, history, and milestones celebrated by those who look different than me. I encourage each of us to do the same.
At the USC Pacific Asia Museum, celebrating Chinese New Year
The stories of our nation aren’t one-sided.
St. Patrick’s day isn’t about wearing green. Cinco de Mayo isn’t about mariachi music and fiestas. July 4th isn’t just about fireworks, and Juneteenth isn’t just Black history.
They are unique chapters in our collective history. Chapters that, when combined with each other, tell the collective story of America.
They tell the story of US.
#Juneteenth
