Juneteenth
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is celebration of the emancipation of slaves in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was put in place in 1863, Texan slaves were not free until June 19, 1865.
Slavery could still be instilled in states still under control of the Confederacy (like Texas) despite the emanitpation proclamtion. News spread rather slowly during that time, so Texans did not yet know they were free.
On this day, more than 150 years ago, about 2,000 Union troops arrived in Texas, announcing the freedom of the thousands of enslaved black Americans, and marking the first ever Juneteenth.
Importance?
Juneteenth is regarded most importantly for its commemoration of the freeing of slaves. However, it’s also important to many black Americans as it represents how their history has been erased in most of the country’s eyes. Most Americans don’t even know what Juneteenth is nor its significance. For many, it’s a day to show their pride and to fight against the systemic racism in America.
Juneteenth today
Recently, President Biden passed legislation that makes Juneteenth an official federal holiday. The prominence of the holiday was brought into the limelight back in 2020 with the Black Lives Matter movement. With the increase in public attention, June 19 has become the largest day of celebration of the emancipation of slaves, and America’s second independance day.
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth
