Juneteenth, now a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, is celebrated on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger read the proclamation of freedom for slaves in Galveston, Texas. General Order Number 3 began most significantly with: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, promising freedom to the slaves in the rebellious parts of the Southern secessionist states of the Confederacy, but not in federally held territories such as Delaware , Maryland, and West Virginia. It took over two years for the law to make its way across the country as enforcement relied on the advance of Union troops. When emancipation finally came to Texas, the last state to hear the official news as the southern rebellion collapsed, celebration was widespread. While that date didn’t mark the unequivocal end of slavery, June 19 became a day of celebration across the United States—created, preserved, and spread by African Americans. Juneteenth by Sara Lennon
In these challenging times when concepts and actions of DEI and Woke are questioned or even weaponized, it’s good to step back and celebrate such a significant day as Juneteenth.
What are you and your colleagues doing to recognize Juneteenth? Please share your thoughts for all to appreciate.
