JUNETEENTH

June 19, 1866, also known as Juneteenth, was a momentous day in American history. On this day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, which declared that all slaves in Texas were free.

This order came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves in Confederate states to be free. However, the proclamation had little effect in Texas, as it was still under Confederate control at the time. It was not until Union troops arrived in the state in 1865 that the slaves were effectively freed.

Despite this, many slave owners in Texas continued to hold their slaves after the Union army arrived, and it was not until General Granger’s order that all slaves in Texas were officially freed. This day is celebrated as Juneteenth, which is now recognized as a holiday in many states.

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, and it is a time to remember and honor the struggles of African Americans throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

The legacy of slavery and racism in America is still deeply ingrained in our society, and Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all Americans are truly free and equal. It is time to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans to our country and to commit to building a more just and equitable society for all.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday, and in 2021, it was finally recognized as such. This recognition is an important step in acknowledging the significance of this day in American history and in honoring the struggles of African Americans throughout the country’s history.

In conclusion, June 19, 1866, was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the end of slavery in Texas and the beginning of a new era of freedom and equality for African Americans. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate this important milestone and to reflect on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality in America.

In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclimation , which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans  living in Texas . It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.

The following year, on June 19, the first official  Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. The original observances included prayer meetings and the singing of spirituals, and celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Within a few years, African Americans in other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition. Celebrations have continued across the United States into the 21st century and typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing.

Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and a number of other states subsequently followed suit. In 2021 Juneteenth was made a federal holiday. The day is also celebrated outside the United States, being used by organizations in a number of countries to recognize the end of slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans.