Demonstrators congregated at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC on June 19, 2020, as part of a Juneteenth march. This day holds immense significance as it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. With the recent enactment of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17th, 2021, Juneteenth has gained even more widespread recognition since President Biden signed it into law.
As an African American atmospheric scientist, Juneteenth holds personal significance to me. I wanted to delve into an intriguing connection between Juneteenth and the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in America’s history. According to GovInfo.gov, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, to enforce the emancipation of enslaved individuals. Since then, African Americans have commemorated and reflected upon this day and its impact on American culture and history.
The connection between Juneteenth and the devastating Galveston Hurricane lies in Galveston, Texas. US Brigadier General Gordon Granger and his troops landed there on June 19, 1865, confirming the end of the Civil War and the freedom of enslaved African Americans. However, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had not been fully enforced due to the insufficient US military presence in Texas. Over three decades later, Galveston faced the wrath of the 1900 hurricane, causing immense loss of life and property. Unfortunately, the death toll remains uncertain, partly due to the undercounting of non-white residents at the time.
Despite the absence of advanced weather forecasting technology during that era, there were indications of the approaching storm. However, limited communication capabilities hindered the distribution of detailed information. Today, we can only imagine the chaos that would arise if a Category 4 hurricane were to strike our densely populated and heavily developed coastlines with minimal warning.
Furthermore, Juneteenth and the Galveston Hurricane share connections beyond geographical proximity. Many African Americans played a crucial role in the cleanup and recovery efforts after the hurricane. Tragically, racist accusations of looting were levied against them, leading to acts of lynching. These stories are often omitted from modern accounts of the storm, painting a more comfortable narrative that fails to address the racial violence that occurred.
The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 still stands as the deadliest natural disaster in US history. It serves as a reminder of the intertwined histories of Juneteenth and the struggles African Americans have faced. To gain a deeper understanding of the racial dynamics and traumatic experiences surrounding the Galveston Hurricane, I highly recommend reading “The complete story of the Galveston horror: trauma, history, and the great storm of 1900.”
The significance of Juneteenth and the tragic events tied to the Galveston Hurricane should never be forgotten. By acknowledging and reflecting upon these interconnected stories, we can strive for a better future and learn from past injustices.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
