On June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with an announcement that would change the course of history and mark the origin of Juneteenth. He declared that all enslaved people in Texas were free, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States. However, this news arrived two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Lincoln, freeing all enslaved people within the Confederacy. As reported by The Root, the delay was due to the slow spread of news and the fact that the Trans-Mississippi army, which held Texas, did not surrender until June 1865.
The Struggle for Freedom
Despite the proclamation, freedom did not come easily. Enslavers often withheld the news of emancipation, and those who tried to leave were frequently punished. It wasn’t until the Freedmen’s Bureau arrived in Texas, months later, that the remaining enslaved people were truly freed. Even then, it took another six months for the 13th Amendment to be ratified. Officially declaring slavery unconstitutional, except as a punishment for a crime. As mentioned by PBS, the journey to freedom was fraught with danger and hardship. Many former slaves faced violence and retribution.
The Celebration of Freedom
Despite these challenges, the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth as a day of freedom spread with Black Texans as they moved throughout the country. The first push to make Juneteenth a federal holiday began in the mid-90s. The calls grew louder in the wake of the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
The Significance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is not just a celebration of the end of slavery. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of a people who refused to be silenced. Juneteenth is a day to remember the long and painful journey towards freedom and to honor those who fought for it. It’s a day to reflect on how far we’ve come. And a reminder of how far we still have to go in the fight for equality and justice.
The Legacy of Juneteenth
Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or holiday observance in 42 states and the District of Columbia. It serves as a potent reminder of our nation’s past and a beacon of hope for the future. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us remember the true meaning of this day and strive to uphold the ideals of freedom and equality it represents.
Xylo News 