![]() This tradition however had a much larger significance for the slaves, who felt that it was a meaningful and symbolic way to “mark” the marriage, considering they did not have rights to marry legally. This amusement and “game” was entertaining for slave owners to compete for the role of boss when they would not actually be boss. For slave owners, it was used as a game in which the marrying slaves would jump over a broomstick backwards as it is being held 1 foot from the ground whoever jumped over the broomstick without touching it would be the boss of the house. Because of this devaluation, slaves created special sacred ceremonies to make their unions special and meaningful. One famous tradition you may be familiar with is “Jumping the Broomstick.” However, its origin and significance has been debated for decades. Worst of all, slaveholders would often completely violate the marriages by taking slave women as their personal concubines.Īs they were not considered citizens, slave weddings had no legal binding and were not sanctified by the church. Slaveholders typically made all the decisions when it came to slave weddings – they determined whether and when they could get married, who could marry who, and would split them apart for financial reasons. Here are some important milestones that got us where we are today: Important Milestones in Black Marriage Historyīefore emancipation, slave weddings were usually officiated by the slave owner or local Black Reverend. So much has happened since slavery was abolished, especially regarding Black marriages. We believe it is important to not only know, but reflect on our history and journey here today. An Ode to Black MarriagesĪs you know, at Perfête, we celebrate love so today we are celebrating the love and sacrifice of the people that came before us. But the newly freed men and women in Texas committed to marking and celebrating the date as an official end to slavery beginning in 1866.Īfter Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980, 45 other states and the District of Columbia followed suit either establishing a state holiday or setting the date aside as a special day of observance. People who tried to comply with the order found themselves in grave danger. ![]() However, it should come as no surprise that this news didn’t spread quickly nor did many slaveholders pay much attention to it. On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Major General Gordon Granger issued an order notifying the people of Texas that all slaves were free and that the Civil War was over. But, the proclamation wasn’t announced or enforced in many states including Texas. The Emancipation Proclamation, a presidential proclamation and executive order that freed all slaves in the Confederacy, came into effect on January 1, 1863. What is Juneteenth?įor those who may not know, Juneteenth is a symbolic day that commemorates the emancipation of Black Americans from slavery in the United States. This post was a collaborative effort between Perfete, Planfully Events, Amy Anaiz Photography, Tinsel Design, Elizabeth Austin Photography Honey & Vinyl Music, Mae B Films, Fallon Carter Events, By Dami Studios and Ilé Events. In honor of Juneteenth, we’re paying homage by taking a closer look at the history of Black weddings and marriage in the United States. Weddings and marriages (a huge part of Perfête’s content), were an aspect of everyday life that had been denied to African Americans during slavery and then heavily restricted after slavery was abolished. Today is an extremely important day not just in Black history but in American history – today is Juneteenth.
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