Juneteenth and the Importance of Updating the Narrative
Storytelling is a rare human centric feat that has lasted since the beginning of language itself. The ability to use storytelling as a means to understand complex issues or to make sense of something we don’t understand is, and always has been, one of humanity’s most valuable assets. Even before written language, humans have used the art of storytelling as a glue to hold everything together. We weave our own narratives that make us feel informed, educated, and safe.
One of the cornerstones good storytelling is the ability to tell the most accurate story we can. And this is chiefly done by updating the historical information we have and incorporating as many perspectives of the people around you. Integrating as much accurate information as possible helps us weave a better, more trustworthy narrative. This idea, that we must update or revise history, is essential to fostering truth and trust in your narrative. As we celebrate Juneteenth, it’s important to remember the importance of updating long held historical narratives to reflect the reality around us.
What makes Juneteenth such a critical piece of the story?
To understand why it is so important to update the narrative and incorporate more perspectives, we take a look at Juneteenth because it stands as a perfect example of how revising long-held beliefs can help correct historical wrongs and foster a more inclusive and informed society. To many Americans, Juneteenth may seem like a straightforward celebration: A Day (June 19th, 1865) when thousands of African American folks in Texas were officially emancipated. This came a full two months after the confederate general Robert. E Lee surrendered at Appomattox courthouse, ending the civil war. This (delayed) announcement became known in Texas as Jubilee Day, and then as Juneteenth.
So how did a regional celebration of emancipation in Texas become a national celebration? The answer is complicated and includes many of the themes we mentioned. For many African American communities across the nation, celebrating emancipation can mean a different day as not all states abolished slavery at the same time. Juneteenth, however, stands as the largest emancipation celebration. But this alone does not tell the whole story.
The truth is there are many reasons why Juneteenth holds such a significant place in the modern narrative. Yes, it is a regional celebration but more accurately, it has become a symbol for social justice, a marker for the renewed interest in our country’s fight for racial equality. To Dr. Russ Wigginton, president of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis Tennessee, Juneteenth, and the story behind it, “underscores the systemic barriers faced by Black Americans in their quest for equality.” Herein lies the salient point of the narrative: to some Juneteenth is a regional celebration of a regional event while to others it represents a deeply personal reminder of struggle and triumph. To ignore this perspective is tell a deeply flawed narrative. Juneteenth may have started out as a celebration by African Americans in Texas, but the reality of what it means today has changed. So, we must update the narrative to include that perspective.
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
— Maya Angelou
While Juneteenth is one example of updating the narrative, the truth is that there are countless other examples of this need in our society. As a communications company, we look at the idea of updating narratives to reflect the reality of history as a personal ethos, a mission statement. We know that weaving the best narrative means telling the most updated story with as many perspectives as possible. The more we can do this, the more we can help instill trust in our work and the information we provide.
Let’s Tell Your Story Together!
Sources:
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth
https://today.cofc.edu/2021/06/18/new-juneteenth-holiday-is-reason-to-celebrate-but-not-a-replacement-for-systemic-change/
https://www.heritage.org/american-history/commentary/dont-let-the-left-ruin-juneteenths-true-meaning
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-06-16/juneteenth-critical-race-theory-racism-education-history
https://www.as.uky.edu/juneteenth-explained-%E2%80%98history-doesn%E2%80%99t-repeat-itself-people-do%E2%80%99
https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where
