The White House Released a Statement from President Obama on the Occasion of Juneteenth

Statement from President Obama on the Occasion of Juneteenth

On this day in 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, those who found themselves still enslaved in Galveston, Texas had their hopes realized and their prayers answered. Contrary to what others had told them, the rumors they had heard were indeed true. The Civil War had ended, and they were now free.

Read the President’s complete Juneteenth statement – Juneteenth 2009

The 7th Day of Kwanzaa
The 7th, and last day, of a week long festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history.

On the seventh day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red candle, the next green, the final red and then the final green candle. This represents the 7th principle of Kwanzaa – Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith.

source: Kwanzaa on the Net – Seven Days of Celebration

The 6th Day of Kwanzaa
The 6th day of a week long festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history.

On the sixth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red, the next green and then the final red candle. This represents the 6th principle of Kwanzaa – Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity.

The sixth day, which occurs on New Years Eve, is a special day. This is the day of the Kwanzaa Karamu or Kwanzaa Feast. In the spirit of celebration many families invite their friends and family to join in the festivities.

source: Kwanzaa on the Net – Seven Days of Celebration

The 5th Day of Kwanzaa
The 5th day of a week long festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history.

On the fifth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red and then the next green candle. This represents the 5th principle of Kwanzaa – Nia (NEE-ah): Purpose.

source: Kwanzaa on the Net – Seven Days of Celebration

The 4th Day of Kwanzaa
The 4th day of a week long festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history.

On the fourth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green. And then the next red candle on the left. This represents the 4th principle of Kwanzaa – Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH): Collective economics.

source: Kwanzaa on the Net – Seven Days of Celebration