June 19, 2020
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
On June 19th, 1865 two months after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, Union General Gordon Granger and approximately 1,800 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Granger read General Order No. 3 which declared in part: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating this day, which marked the effective end of slavery in the United States. More than two years before Granger’s announcement, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 which made known that all enslaved people in Confederate states in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
The Emancipation Proclamation didn’t instantly free any slaves because it only applied to places under Confederate control and not to slave holding border states or rebel areas already under Union control. However, as Northern troops advanced into the Confederate South, many slaves fled behind Union lines.
Why is it Called Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a combination of “June and “nineteenth”, in honor of the day that Granger announced the abolition of slavery in Texas. The day is also called Freedom Day.
When did Juneteenth Become a National Holiday?
On January 1st, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state Legislator from Houston. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. In 2002, eight states officially recognized Juneteenth and four years later 15 states recognized the holiday. By 2008 nearly half of the US states observed the holiday as a ceremonial observance. Forty-seven of the fifty states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or ceremonial holiday, a day of observance. The three states that do not recognized Juneteenth are Hawaii, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The holiday is considered the longest running African-American holiday and has been called “America’s second Independence Day."
How is Juneteenth Celebrated?
In some cities there are parades, festivals and forums in celebration of the holiday. Singing traditional songs as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” There are certain foods that have become popular and synonymous with Juneteenth such as red drinks and red foods like barbecued meats including lamb, pork and beef which was not available everyday but brought on this special occasion. The red symbolized resilience. A true celebration left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next year.
Why Does Juneteenth Matter?
The significance of the holiday can be found in the need for all Americans to be reminded that the fabric and, in many cases, the foundation of the United States was built on the institution of “chattel slavery.” In this system, people were bought, sold and moved as property, and their children were born into slavery rather than being born free. As stated on many occasions by various academicians and lovers of history, “The failure to study history will oft times allow for the repeat of past immoral acts.” Therefore, all Americans—especially African Americans—are challenged to be reminded of the cost of freedom. It is important that Juneteenth—“Freedom Day”—remain a holiday reminding all Americans to cherish the freedoms that more than 350 million citizens enjoy.
Juneteenth in Modern Times
The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the number of cities and states creating Juneteenth committees continue to increase. Respect and appreciation for all of our differences grow out of exposure and working together. Juneteenth was born out of one of our country’s darkest hours, but today we celebrate in the light of laughter, good food, family, and freedom.
Many corporations such as Twitter, Cisco Systems Inc., Alphabet Inc, Uber Technologies Inc, and Intel Corp have made Juneteenth a company holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Getting involved and supporting Juneteenth celebrations creates new bonds of friendship and understanding among us. This indeed, brightens our future-and that is the spirit of Juneteenth.
I think this is the first time I've seen anything posted at TriHealth on Juneteenth. Thank you for providing the information to increase awareness.
Posted by: Kimberly Morrow on June 24, 2020
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Thank you for providing this info. and raising awareness of this very significant part of our history. One small correction though in the very first sentence. It was 2 years later not 2 months.
Posted by: Nyota Stoker on June 24, 2020
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I'm happy to see this posted as a link to learn from on TriHealth Bridge. It is an important holiday for me as my grandmother grew up in Texas ( descendant of enslaved Africans/African Americans) and taught me about Juneteenth. I like the section "Why Does Juneteenth Matter?" I like that it reads, "the foundation of the United States was built on the institution of 'chattel slavery'". Also that it refers to people being bought and sold as opposed to calling enslaved persons "slaves." Language , visibility, and being reminded of everyone's significance to "America's fabric" is important and unifying.
Posted by: Tanna Hall on June 19, 2020
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