The History of Juneteenth

image of triumph and freedom after enslavementPhoto byTasha JolleyonUnsplash

This article is compiled and summarized from several sources, and attributions are linked within.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of over four million enslaved African Americans in the United States. This celebration reflects the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality, encapsulated by the words of activist Opal Lee, often called the grandmother of Juneteenth, who emphasized the importance of learning from history to prevent its repetition.

Juneteenth, a blend of "June" and "Nineteenth," marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with 2,000 troops to enforce the emancipation of enslaved people, nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. This date, June 19th, signified the liberation of 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas. The first Juneteenth celebration occurred a year later in 1866, involving barbecues, religious services, games, storytelling, and a tradition of dressing up to symbolize the freedom from the rags of enslavement.

Though on January 1, 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, freeing slaves in the Confederate states, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865 that the remaining 250,000 slaves in Texas were freed.

On that date, Union Maj. General Gordon Granger's arrival in Galveston Bay, Texas, brought the announcement of freedom (General Order No. 3) for the state's enslaved population, marking the first Juneteenth,

A year later the first Juneteenth celebration was held and in 1872 in Houston Texas, African American leaders purchased land for Juneteenth celebrations, creating Emancipation Park, a significant cultural site.

Almost a hundred years later, in 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, raising awareness of its historical importance. A year later, Ben Haith of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation designed the Juneteenth flag, symbolizing African American history and freedom.

Still, this was not made a national holiday. In 2016, at 89 years old, activist Opal Lee began a 1400 mile walk from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. to advocate once more for Juneteenth to become a national holiday. But still, no luck.

It wasn’t until George Floyd’s death/murder on May 25, 2020, over alledged $20 countrfeit bill, and with it the aftermath of riots, deaths, and constant news that finally the federal government decided it was time to declare Juneteenth a federal holiday. On June 17, 2021 President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday marks a pivotal step in acknowledging the historical significance of June 19^th, 1865. It honors the cultural contributions and resilience of African Americans, serving as a powerful reminder of the struggle for equality and justice in the United States. Juneteenth is celebrated with music, spirituality, food, and traditions, highlighting the rich heritage and ongoing journey toward true freedom and equality.