WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
(History.com, Juneteenth.com, National Museum of African American History and Culture)
Juneteenth (a portmanteau of "June" and "Nineteenth") is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers arrived to Galveston, Texas to declare the end of the war and to oversee that the enslaved were freed.
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863 - a whole TWO YEARS ago! But in reality, the Emancipation Proclamation didn't instantly free any slaves because it could only be applied to places under Confederate control. Texas was considered a safe haven for enslavers because the state didn't experience significant presence of Union control or resistance. By the time Maj. Gen. Granger came to Galveston with his troops, Texas had over 250,000 enslaved people waiting for freedom.
In 1866, freedmen in Texas organized what would be the first celebration of the holiday, originally called "Jubilee Day." From then on, it became a holiday celebrated with music, food, prayer services, and many participants have taken the holiday to migrate to Galveston, TX where it all began.
WHY DO WE CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH?
"The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans - from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors. It is a story of pride, resilience, and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual significance - as it serves us well to understand that together we can overcome all obstacles in our path." (Juneteenth.com)
The DHSS Library encourages you to take this holiday to reflect on the history of our country and its people, to celebrate and appreciate the freedom we have, and help build a better and more tolerant future.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Juneteenth Reading List (Penguin Random House)
Juneteenth Reading List (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
Juneteenth: A Reading List (Carnegie Library)
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