Uncovering the Hidden Legacy: 5 Facts About Memorial Day Black Americans Were Never Taught
- Tavon Harris
- May 26
- 4 min read
Memorial Day—originally known as “Decoration Day”—has long been a cherished holiday in American households. Officially established in 1868, the tradition is often credited to Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, head of the Union veterans’ organization. He called for a national day of remembrance to honor those who died during the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers and flags.
But the story doesn’t start—or end—there.
What’s rarely acknowledged in American education is that Black Union soldiers and formerly enslaved people held their own powerful commemoration more than four years earlier, on May 1, 1865. It took place on a former racetrack in Charleston, South Carolina—once used by Confederate slaveowners—and it stands as one of the first Memorial Day observances in U.S. history.
In this article, you’ll discover 5 powerful facts about Memorial Day that weren’t taught in school—and the critical role Black Americans played in shaping this sacred tradition. Plus, we’ll share innovative ways to celebrate today with both joy and reverence alongside your family and friends.
May 1, 1865: The First Memorial Day
On this day, more than 10,000 newly freed Black men, women, and children gathered in Charleston, SC to honor 257 deceased Union soldiers buried in a mass grave. According to historian David Blight, author of American Oracle: The Civil War in the Civil Rights Era, they reburied the soldiers with care, held a public procession, and commemorated their sacrifice with song, scripture, and flowers.
While Maj. Gen. Logan’s official “Memorial Day” was declared in 1868, it was the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 that placed Memorial Day on the last Monday in May to ensure a three-day weekend.
The Origins of “Decoration Day”
Before it was called Memorial Day, it was Decoration Day—a time when Americans decorated the graves of Civil War soldiers. Initially, it was only meant to honor Union war dead, but by the time of World War I, the tradition expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in service.
A Celebration Led by Freed Slaves
The first major Memorial Day celebration—led by formerly enslaved people—was rich in symbolism and ceremony. Over 3,000 African American schoolchildren sang “John Brown’s Body,” a Union marching song. They carried roses while Black women followed with baskets of flowers, wreaths, and crosses.
As ministers read scriptures and choirs sang, the ceremony transformed into a public acknowledgment of the blood, sweat, and tears shed by the 257 Union soldiers—many of whom were Black. These soldiers were mistreated both in life and in death, yet their sacrifices helped reshape a nation.
The National Moment of Remembrance
In the year 2000, President Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, encouraging Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time. Whether you’re at a cookout or attending a ballgame, this moment reminds us to reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedoms.
5. Whitewashing of Memorial Day
What has become more clear is that our lack of knowledge and understanding has crippled our ability to grow and develop as a society. We're in the age where corporations are making strides in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, while others are turning away and for the first time in this country’s history, we have the first black Woman , Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as a justice on the United States Supreme Court.
But there's the elephant in the room that many blogs, and news outlets won't dare talk about for fear of losing ratings, followers, etc. At The Emphatic Truth our mission is to expose the truth and do so with the intent to introduce a new, more sound and educated perspective on issues that impact our world.
The elephant in the room for many blacks in America is the idea we celebrate Memorial Day/weekend blindly and lack awareness of our own greatness even during a time of utter turmoil following the civil war.
According to LiberationSchool.org, the spirit of the first Decoration Day - “the struggle for Black liberation and the fight against racism - has unfortunately been whitewashed from the modern Memorial Day."
Blacks in America were some of the biggest contributors to the Union Army in an effort to end slavery and give generations to come a chance to seek the Pursuit of Happiness as described in the Constitution. The idea that our bodies were used, beat and battered well before and during the war and to STILL be forced to fight for America further depicts our influence in history. Although these facts are not taught in formal education, we must educate ourselves and our community. That is our Truth. That is our Power!
Celebrate With Purpose: How You Can Honor Memorial Day Today
Whether you’re gathered around the grill or scrolling through your feed, this Memorial Day is a chance to celebrate with joy—and with awareness. Take a moment to infuse your celebration with history, heritage, and heart. Here are six powerful ways to honor the legacy of Memorial Day while building community:
Host a storytelling circle
Share Black military history, family stories, and community triumphs.
Learn more: Library of Congress Veterans History Project
Visit a local Black veterans memorial or cemetery
Leave flowers, honor names, and reflect on those who paved the way.
Explore: National Museum of African American History & Culture: Military History
Support Black-owned businesses during your gathering
From food vendors to musicians—celebrate with impact.
Find businesses: Official Black Wall Street Directory
Pause at 3PM for the National Moment of Remembrance
Join others across the country in silence and gratitude.
Background: Moment of Remembrance Act (2000)
Share Memorial Day facts on social media
Educate your followers and amplify the stories that matter.
Tag us: @TheEmphaticTruth | Use hashtags: #MemorialDayWithPurpose #TheEmphaticTruth
Organize a small service project
Clean a neighborhood space, write thank-you letters to veterans, or donate to causes.
Start local: VolunteerMatch Opportunities
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