Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery in the Confederate states and is celebrated annually on June 19. The day marks the official end of slavery in Texas and celebrates freedom and emancipation for all Americans. It is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.
Why We Celebrate In June
Before the Civil War, slaves in America knew that they were considered property. They were not allowed to learn how to read or write without their master’s permission for fear that they might use those skills against the slaveholder. However, during the Civil War, it became clear to many people in the North and South that slavery should be ended.
The Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the end of slavery, was first announced on January 1, 1863. However, it would take another two years for this edict to reach all parts of the United States. Many states in the Union ratified the 13th Amendment at different points throughout 1865, while others had already abolished slavery in their state constitutions.
The Army made its way across Texas reading General Order Number 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 mandate 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 labor.”
The first Juneteenth celebration occurred three years later when Major General Gordon Granger came to Galveston on June 19, 1868; by then, the island residents had picked up their lives and most did not want to continue celebrating emancipation. The celebration would be re-instituted by African Americans who made a permanent home in Texas after escaping slavery or knew others who did.
What We Are Celebrating
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom! We should be rejoicing that we live in one of the few places in the world where slavery is not legal. There are places in this world right now where human beings are bought and sold as property, yet we should be celebrating that it has been over 150 years since slavery was abolished here.
Juneteenth is an important holiday because it celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. This holiday reminds us that we should all be treated equally, no matter what our skin color is. We should also remember that we need to continue to fight for equality and justice for all people.
Why We Should Celebrate
There are many reasons why Juneteenth should be celebrated. First and foremost, it represents a significant moment in history – the end of slavery in America. This dark period in our nation’s past is something that should be remembered and never forgotten, and Juneteenth provides us with an opportunity to do just that.
Although there is still work to do, Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made toward achieving liberty and justice for all. The road to civil rights was long and hard-fought, but it eventually led us to where we are today. While much has been done, unfortunately, there is still a long road ahead in the quest for equality.
Juneteenth is also a time to come together as a community and celebrate our diversity. It is time to recommit ourselves to creating an even more inclusive and accepting society for all. Juneteenth is also an opportunity to unite as a community and share in the future of equality for all.
How It Is Celebrated
Juneteenth is now a day of celebration and remembrance. It is celebrated with picnics, barbecues, family reunions, prayer vigils, and baseball games. The holiday is also marked by special programs and services in churches and community centers. Some people wear traditional African clothing or dress in costumes to depict characters from the time of slavery. Others simply enjoy the day’s festivities.
The Bottom Line
We need to remember the past and celebrate Juneteenth in the present because it is essential to learn from our mistakes and ensure that history does not repeat itself. The holiday is a reminder that all people are created equal and that we should fight for freedom and justice for all.
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