Juneteenth
An African American Celebration

President Abraham Lincoln, an opponent of slavery, first abolished it in the capitol. Six months later, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves in all states which did not rejoin the Union as of the effective date: January 1, 1863. It must be noted,however, that all border states, and states which had already rejoined the Union were exempt from this order. Thus, slavery was not totally abolished through this one act.

Click the photo to see a larger image.

---

One of the states where slavery was abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation was Texas. In no state were slaves freed immediately, but Texas took two years and six months to finally follow through with the promise of freedom. Then, on June 19, 1865, Emancipation day became a reality for the slaves of Galveston, Texas. Union Major General Gordon Granger delivered and read General Order#3 which stated:

"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 personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."

---

Slaves all over Texas began to celebrate the news with music and dancing, church meetings, and cook outs. This tradition, begun in Galveston Texas, has continued for more than 100 years, with just a short hiatus. June 19th, the date of emancipation, became known to us in its abbreviated form: Juneteenth. Texas recognized this as an official holiday on July 1, 1980. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed on this date in observance of the state holiday.

Juneteenth has spread across the nation, becoming an Afro-American celebration. It is a day to have picnics and parties, but is also a day of reflection and a day which promotes African American pride.

Juneteenth Books!