Juneteenth, or June 19, marks the day in 1865 that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, which announced the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state of Texas – one of the last groups of slaves to be freed in the United States.
What does Galveston Texas have to do with Juneteenth?
MISSION & HISTORY.
Juneteenth commemorates Union Army General Gordon Granger’s proclamation issued on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, which ordered the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state of Texas.
Why did Juneteenth happen in Galveston?
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
How is Juneteenth celebrated in Texas?
Texas House Bill 1016 passed in the 66th Legislature, Regular Session, declared June 19, “Emancipation Day in Texas,” a legal state holiday effective starting in 1980. Since that time, the celebration of Juneteenth continues across the state of Texas with parades, picnics, and dancing.
What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated?
Known to some as the country’s “second Independence Day,” Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. For more than 150 years, African American communities across the country have observed this holiday.
When were slaves freed in Galveston Texas?
June 19, 1865
In what is now known as Juneteenth, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrive in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War is over and slavery in the United States is abolished.
How many slaves were in Galveston Texas?
In 1836, the Anglo-American settlers gained their independence from Mexico, becoming the Republic of Texas. At this time, there were an estimated 5,000 slaves in the area.
Why did Texas wait to free slaves?
Why Did it Take so Long for Texas to Free Slaves? The Emancipation Proclamation extended freedom to enslaved people in Confederate States that were still under open rebellion. However, making that order a reality depended on military victories by the U.S. Army and an ongoing presence to enforce them.
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Celebrations include picnics, rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, blues festivals and Miss Juneteenth contests.
Which state was the last to free slaves?
Mississippi Becomes Final State to Abolish Slavery.
Does Texas recognize Juneteenth?
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday. Al Edwards, a freshman state representative, put forward the bill, H.B. 1016, making Texas the first state to grant this emancipation celebration.
Who started Juneteenth in Texas?
On January 1, 1980, a bill by Texas State Rep. Al Edwards was passed making Juneteenth an official state holiday. Texas was the first state to officially recognize an emancipation celebration. 15.
Is Juneteenth a Texas thing?
Today is Juneteenth, a celebration of the end of slavery in Texas. Though celebrated nationwide, it’s a particularly Texan holiday, with roots in Galveston in 1865. Catch up on the holiday, the meaning behind it and how to celebrate locally with these stories.
Do you wish someone a Happy Juneteenth?
Yes, it’s appropriate to say ‘Happy Juneteenth Day’. Many people on social media say that this is a good way to acknowledge Juneteenth.
What states do not recognize Juneteenth?
Only one state — South Dakota — does not recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday or day of observance. And even there, legislators are pushing to add the holiday to the state’s list of formally recognized celebrations. “We should all be able to celebrate the end of slavery,” said state Sen.
How did they come up with the name Juneteenth?
The day’s name is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth” in honor of the date of Granger’s announcement and first appeared around 1903. It is also known as African American Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.
Why is it called Juneteenth and not June 19th?
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. The name “Juneteenth” references the date of the holiday, combining the words “June” and “nineteenth.”
What does the Juneteenth flag look like?
Deliberately consisting of a red, white, and blue color scheme just like the American flag, the Juneteenth flag has a white star in the center, meant to represent both Texas (the Lone Star State), as well as the freedom of enslaved people in all 50 states.
Will June 19th be a federal holiday in 2021?
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law Senate Bill 475 (S. 475) making “Juneteenth” a federal holiday. Because June 19th falls on a Saturday this year, the day will be observed by federal government offices on June 18, 2021.
How did most slaves get to Texas?
Most enslaved people in Texas were brought by white families from the southern United States. Some enslaved people came through the domestic slave trade, which was centered in New Orleans. A smaller number of enslaved people were brought via the international slave trade, though this had been illegal since 1806.
What can you do with Juneteenth?
Here are six ways to do so.
- Learn the full history. Although June 19, 1865, marks Juneteenth, the end of slavery was not so clear-cut.
- Celebrate.
- Support Black-owned businesses.
- Acknowledge and spread the word.
- Donate to supportive organizations.
- Attend Juneteenth events.
