Juneteenth: Commemorating a Landmark Moment in American History

While Juneteenth might seem like a new holiday, only becoming a federal holiday two years ago, its roots go back generations.  

Let's take a moment to learn about the history of this day before celebrating it on Monday, June 19. 

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the first Juneteenth occurred on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay.  

The announcement was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation as the nation entered the third year of the Civil War. 

"But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control," the museum's website stated. "As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as Juneteenth by the newly freed people in Texas."  

Union General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 to the people of Galveston.  

"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free," Granger stated. "This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer." 

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission's website states that large celebrations on June 19 began in 1866 and continued regularly.  

"African Americans treated this day like the Fourth of July and the celebrations contained similar events," the state website wrote. "In the early days, Juneteenth celebrations included a prayer service, speakers with inspirational messages, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, stories from former slaves, food, red soda water, games, rodeos, and dances." 

 Juneteenth celebrations have spread from Texas to other states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida and California.  

Celebrations of Juneteenth continued into the 20th century.  

"Celebration of Juneteenth declined during World War II but returned in 1950 at the Texas State Fair Grounds in Dallas. Interest and participation fell away during the late 1950s and 1960s as attention focused on the expansion of freedom for African Americans," the state website documented. "In the 1970s, Juneteenth was revived in some communities." 

The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1016 in its 66th regular session, declaring June 19 "Emancipation Day in Texas," a legal state holiday effective starting in 1980. 

Juneteenth later became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed a bill into law.  

UTA Libraries has excellent resources to check out in person or online to learn more about African American history. The online resources can be accessed through the LibGuides online. 

So, as you enjoy your day off with family and friends, please take a moment to remember this important historical moment that changed the lives of generations of people.