Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Progress

Eric Connerly Data News Weekly Contributor June 19th marks the Annual Celebration of Juneteenth, a significant holiday in American History that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated on June 19th to honor the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the freedom of all enslaved people, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Historical Significance The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. However, enforcement of the proclamation depended on the advance of Union troops. Texas, being the most remote of the slave states with a minimal presence of Union soldiers, witnessed continued slavery until General Granger’s arrival. On June 19, 1865, General Granger delivered General Order No. 3, which stated: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.” Celebrations and Observances Juneteenth Celebrations have evolved over the years, ranging...