History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth has seen a significant growth in celebration and influence through the years, as more and more Black communities and generations learn more about its history and ways to broaden its reach and resilience amongst the younger generations. 

During the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment stopped the establishment of slavery within the United States through the Emancipation Proclamation made effective in 1863. However, sadly, this news of freedom did not reach many of the westernmost states until 1865. In Galveston, Texas, about 2000 Union soldiers arrived on June 19th 1865 to provide the news to the slaves still working in their freedom. Decades and generations later, Black communities around the nation would adopt this as the official “Freedom Day”, especially for those newly freed people in the state of Texas. 

The celebration and acknowledgment of Juneteenth has mostly been celebrated within Black communities. Through various ceremonies, parties, community events and much more, Juneteenth has been taught through word of mouth amongst others and lesser known within some school systems. Juneteenth became an official federal holiday on June 17th 2021 under President Biden.

How will you celebrate Juneteenth? How will you make it an annual celebration for your friends and family?

#Juneteenth #Black #Blackhistory #ancestors #slavery #Texas #Galveston 

Sources:

-https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

-https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth

-https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.html

Photo Source: 

-https://www.pbs.org/articles/learn-about-and-celebrate-juneteenth/

-https://www.vox.com/2020/6/18/21294825/history-of-juneteenth