Juneteenth Facts
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
Juneteenth honors the end of legal slavery in the United States. Juneteenth, commemorates a pivotal moment in American history. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War had ended and slaves were free. This announcement came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, due to the slow dissemination of information. Information that was deliberately kept slow in order to keep people enslaved.
The Origin of Juneteenth
Major General Granger's General Order Number 3 informed the people of Texas that "all slaves are free," a declaration that finally reached the remote Confederacy state of Texas. This signaled the biggest shift in the nation's structure since the American Revolution. General Order Number 3 declared the freedom for enslaved people and equal rights and property rights, establishing that a freed slave now had the choice whether to stay on the plantation to now be a paid workers. It was a crucial step towards rebuilding and redefining American culture in the post American Civil War. After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, not every state freed their captives, Texas being one of those states. The reason for this, the Emancipation Proclamation applied specifically to confederate-controlled states, not the bordering states like Texas. In fact, many slave owners moved to Texas with the idea that having avoided combat, they would be able to continue their barbaric practices in Texas. It took a full two years for the Federal Government to enforce freedom for all in this country. Juneteenth became a celebration after General Gordon Granger stood strong in Galveston, Texas and read General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” What followed was a celebration of freedom so strong it continues to this day and is often referred to as Freedom Day. General Granger's speech in Galveston that June created freedom for Texas's 250,000 people.
Juneteenth Celebrations Were a Vehicle for Change
While the Emancipation Proclamation only applied to the Confederate states, it ultimately became Federal Law in December of 1865 through the 13th Amendment. During that time, slaves were not encouraged to read or write so word of mouth was the way the black community began to understand the new law, that slaves were free. Consequently, freedom took time and the celebration of Freedom, Juneteenth, was an opportunity to spread that message. Juneteenth celebrations grew yet it still took another century for Texas to declare it a state holiday.
The Spread and Celebration of Juneteenth
Initially celebrated in Texas, Juneteenth customs began to spread across the United States during the Great Migration, as African Americans moved from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West. Traditional Juneteenth celebrations have historically included a Juneteenth Parade, religious services, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, family gatherings, music, and food which proves to be vibrant blend of cultural activities representing the resilience of the American spirit.
A Federally Recognized Holiday
While Juneteenth began in Texas as a state holiday in 1979, it wasn't until June 2021 that the entire country followed by recognizing it federally. Celebrating the end of slavery is truly another Independence Day. Senators Markey, Smith, Booker, and Harris introduced Legislation to make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. The Bill was reintroduced in January 2021 and as of June 17th 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Federal Holiday into Law. We are ecstatic to see the country come together as a whole to recognize a second Independence Day. For many years, Juneteenth was a largely regional or unofficial holiday. However, its recognition has grown significantly in recent decades. It wasn't until June 2021 that Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday in the United States. This recognition not only honors the struggles and contributions of African Americans but emphasizes the ongoing journey towards true equality.
Celebrating Juneteenth Helps to End Systemic Racism
Teaching about Juneteenth and its importance has become a crucial part of American historical education, helping to highlight the events surrounding slavery, emancipation, and the continuous fight for civil rights. Schools, organizations, and cultural institutes need to use this day to educate others about the immense contributions of African Americans to the nation's history. So much of American History has been designed to ignore black history. An example of this are theTulsa Race Massacre which was systematically eliminated from history, a literal massacre on American soil was overlooked by design. While Juneteenth is slow to be recognized in American culture, the importance does not diminish. By recognizing and celebrating Emancipation Day through Juneteenth celebrations, we are working to stop systemic racism.
Today, Juneteenth not only serves as a remembrance of liberation but also as a reminder of the progress still needed in terms of civil rights and justice. Celebrations continue to reflect cultural traditions, with festivities including Juneteenth parades, educational programs, community service, and discussions on history and culture. The incredibly important holiday encourages reflection on freedom and equality, fostering awareness and appreciation for diverse communities. Juneteenth stands as a vibrant testament to resilience and hope. It is a celebration of freedom, a recognition of a significant turning point in American history, and a call to continue striving towards a more just and equitable society. As Juneteenth takes its rightful place as a national holiday, it serves as a powerful reminder of the nation's complex history and the work that remains for future generations.
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