Given so many politicians’ efforts to block thorough and accurate teachings of our country’s history — for example, a fair look at the Civil War and what caused it — it is possible some Americans are unaware that it was not until June 19, 1865, that the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation took place.

The proclamation had been issued Jan. 1, 1863. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. But it was another more-than two months before Major Gen. Gordon Granger was able to order enforcement of the proclamation in Texas.

Almost immediately, churches in Texas began celebrating the anniversary of the date. But as the change in what is publicly acceptable behavior in this country over recent years has demonstrated, actual healing and real progress has been excruciatingly slow.

Now, on Juneteenth, we celebrate.

It took until 2021 to make it official, but we celebrate what has been called this country’s “second Independence Day,” and recognize it as a day as much about learning and self-reflection as it is about joy.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture asked some experts about Juneteenth.

“African Americans have always used these moments of memory to think about where the community has come from and what we’re pursuing and striving towards, as well as taking the time to pass down history and culture,” said Angela Tate, former curator of African American Women’s History. “Juneteenth is a time to reflect. What does it mean to really celebrate our freedom? What does it mean to be free in moments where freedom is conditional, and freedom is always a challenge? Juneteenth is a moment to think about freedom being conditional freedom and it is something that we must continuously strive and fight for.”

Use Juneteenth, then, to celebrate the victories in that fight; and remember we DO have the freedom to continue striving for better. For EVERYONE.