Tag: civil-war

Happy Memorial Day!

People in 19th-century clothing honoring fallen soldiers at decorated graves with flowers and flags

The Origins of Memorial Day

Memorial Day didn’t begin with parades—it began with freed Black Americans in 1865, honoring Union soldiers who died fighting for their freedom. Following the fall of Charleston, South Carolina, formerly enslaved people reorganized a mass grave at a local racetrack that had been used as a Confederate prison. They worked to provide a proper burial for the Union soldiers who had perished there, recognizing them as the “Martyrs of the Race Course”.

On May 1, 1865, in war-torn Charleston, they held a powerful and poignant ceremony of remembrance and resistance amidst the ravages of the Civil War. Thousands of Black residents, bolstered by the steadfast support of white missionaries and Union troops, gathered and marched with purpose around the racetrack, each step echoing the struggles of their past. The procession was led by approximately 3,000 spirited Black schoolchildren, who proudly carried armloads of fragrant roses while singing exuberantly patriotic songs that resonated with hope and freedom. This historical event served not only as a public declaration of their newly won liberty but also as a solemn tribute to those brave souls who sacrificed their lives to secure it, reminding all present of the enduring fight for justice and equality. As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow on their faces, the atmosphere was charged with emotions, uniting the community in a shared vision for a brighter future while honoring the memories of those who had come before them.

Despite its historical significance, it’s a story left out of most history books. For decades, the narrative of Memorial Day was centered on later commemorations in the North and South, often obscuring this early act of devotion by freed people who risked everything to honor those who fought for their freedom. This poignant event, which unfolded in the aftermath of the Civil War, symbolizes the struggle for recognition and the deep emotional ties forged in the face of loss. Understanding this event is essential to recognizing the full legacy of the holiday, as it highlights the contributions and sacrifices made by African Americans, often overlooked in mainstream accounts. It’s the story of the first Memorial Day—a profound moment that not only commemorated fallen soldiers but also marked the beginning of a broader societal acknowledgment of the importance of remembrance in healing a fractured nation.

Now having typed all of that, I wish to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the men and women who have made the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE for our country, the United States of America.Now having typed all of that, I wish to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the men and women who have made the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE for our country, the United States of America.

We stand in profound gratitude for those courageous individuals who laid down their lives to preserve the liberties we enjoy today. Their unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and democracy serves as an enduring inspiration to us all, and we honor the legacy of service they have left behind.

TODAY IN BLACK MEDIA (6/22/25)

TODAY IN BLACK MEDIA delivers news and cultural discussions from an African American viewpoint, emphasizing often-overlooked global black achievements and significant stories. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the nuances of black life, fostering conversations about race, culture, and identity. By amplifying underrepresented voices, it encourages engagement with societal issues and promotes unity within and beyond the African American community, aiming to create a vibrant narrative that celebrates black cultures worldwide.

Today… I have one more thing to report about Junereenth.

A Black North Carolina woman waiting to have her truck serviced decided to spend her money elsewhere after two employees and another customer appeared to mock Juneteenth, a significant holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Frustrated and feeling disrespected, the woman, who was the only Black person in Synergy Auto Care in Wilson, North Carolina, at the time, confronted the staff directly. She emphatically told an employee to, “Give me my f***ing truck! Pull my truck around, please. Pull my truck around and give me my truck.” This moment encapsulates the broader issues of racial insensitivity and the need for businesses to foster an inclusive environment for all customers. Dr. Rashad Richey and Maz Jobrani weigh in on this troubling incident in the above video, delving into the implications of such behavior and discussing the importance of accountability in service industries.

Okay, before I go any further, I want my readers here to understand…

SLAVERY NEVER ENDED IN THE USA, IT ONLY BECAME ILLEGAL!

For the record, slavery in the United States officially became illegal with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on December 6, 1865. The amendment states that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”  

While President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared that slaves in Confederate states in rebellion would be free, it did not apply to border states loyal to the Union. Therefore, the 13th Amendment was essential to ensure the abolition of slavery throughout the entire United States. 

The Senate passed the 13th Amendment in April 1864, and the House of Representatives followed suit in January 1865. The amendment was then sent to the states for ratification and became law in December 1865 after receiving the necessary approval from three-fourths of the states.

Now for those of you out there who want to learn about Juneteenth and it’s signifignance, I advise you to search this website for other posts I made about it on this website… Or you can GOOGLE IT.