Juneteenth, a combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” is a celebration of the end of slavery. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, and it took effect on Jan. 1, 1863. However, slavery did not completely end in the United States until two and a half years later, when Major General Gordon Granger issued the following order in Galveston, Texas.
“GENERAL ORDERS, No. 3. — The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, “all slaves are tree.” This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.
The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes, and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts, and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.
By command of Maj.-Gen. GRANGER.”
With this order on June 19, 1865, the news of emancipation and freedom reached the last people held in slavery.
This year, in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement, Juneteenth has gained more attention than in previous years. Some companies have given employees the day off to honor the importance of this day, and celebrations are being held around the country.
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth, check out our list of anti-racism and racial justice resources to educate yourself on the history of inequality and racism in America.
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