Honoring Juneteenth This Week
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and is observed annually on June 19.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all enslaved people in Confederate states free. However, enforcement of the proclamation depended on the advance of Union troops, and at the time, many enslaved people in Texas remained unaware of their freedom.
It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3. This order proclaimed the freedom of enslaved people in Texas, the last Confederate state to have institutional slavery. Upon hearing the announcement, newly freed African Americans celebrated. The following year, in 1866, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas, featuring prayer services, music, and feasts. Over time, the tradition spread to other states.
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Juneteenth gained renewed significance. It served as a symbol of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. In 1980, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday. Since then, most states have recognized the day in some capacity. But it wasn’t until June 17, 2021, that President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth a federal holiday. This marked a significant step in acknowledging the historical importance of the day and the legacy of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth has become a time for African Americans to honor their heritage and resilience and for all Americans to recognize the importance of freedom and equality. Celebrate Juneteenth this Wednesday by checking out one of the events listed on SouthSeattleEmerald.com, Arte Nior, Africatown Seattle, or Everout.com!
Cheers,
Team Indigo Movement
