My Thoughts

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves of the Southern states that had seceded from the Union. It took awhile for the news to trickle down. It was not until June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, that the slaves of the eastern portion of that state found out dey wus free. http://www.geocities.com/blasquinte/Jntnth.html

History of Juneteenth
What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. http://www.elecvillage.com/juneteen.htm

This may seem like a crazy to celebrate and I have often been asked by folks not from here why do we celebrate this Day? I think it’s because it was our, Texas’, emancipation from salvery. It is a significant day in Texas African American History, although Juneteenth celebrations started here in Texas, they have now spread to many US states. It is a significant day in my history. So HAPPY JUNETEENTH.