Juneteenth, Blessings & Honor to our Ancestors


Juneteenth is celebrated in America on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery. Also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," it is not officially a federal holiday (yet), but the day is a time of celebration, remembrance and most importantly education, it's the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.


From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

"The roots of Juneteenth go deeper than the Civil War," said Mark Lacy, founder of the Houston Institute for Culture, a nonprofit that focuses on the multi-cultural needs of the city and is hosting Juneteenth events with live music, readings, poetry and more.

"The significance of abolishing slavery in Mexico also affected Texas," he said. The institute takes a multi-cultural approach to celebrating Juneteenth and other holidays.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

How is it celebrated? Lots to do for Juneteenth. Family and friends gather for picnics, barbecues, dinners and baseball games. Some cities hold parades and Juneteenth pageants. Trail-riding associations visit historical landmarks. And there's food. Lots of food. Search for tasty Juneteenth recipes.

But how did Juneteenth come about? The 16th president: President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, and on January 1, 1863.

What it meant: It was declared that "all persons held as slaves" within states rebelling against the Union "are, and henceforward shall be free."

News reaches Texas: It took until June 19, 1865 -- more than two years -- for the news to reach Texas, which was almost completely under Confederate control. Why did it take so long? Theories abound.

News spreads: On that day, Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston with 2,000 Union troops to deliver the news, and celebrations erupted among the freed slaves.

Annual celebrations begin: "Juneteenth" was celebrated annually in Texas after that; in the late 19th century the party spread to other states as Southern blacks migrated north and west.

Where is it celebrated? Fittingly, Texas became the first state to officially declare June 19 a holiday, in 1980. Since then 30 other states have joined in. There is also a campaign to make Juneteenth a national holiday. In Washington D.C. several days of events are scheduled. No news yet about whether the Obamas will be in attendance this year, but they have marked the day in the past.

Let's Us Not Forget the Prayers and Tears of Our Forefathers and Foremothers!

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Comment by T.L. Hawkins on June 19, 2009 at 6:10pm
As you said...Let's Us Not Forget the Prayers and Tears of Our Forefathers and Foremothers!
However, living IN Texas (Born and raised) I have never understood WHY we celebrate being lied to and kept in captivity for an additional two years! That's not a time of celebration, but it is a time of rememberance and education...for me.
Be Blessed and thanks for sharing the history behind the day.

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