JUNETEENTH

A moment in time

June 19th commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. It is an American holiday celebrated in the United States and is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Juneteenth is the exploration and celebration of African American history and heritage.
Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22nd 1862 and its effective date was the first day in 1863. Texas was resistant to the Emancipation Proclamation. It wasn’t until June 18th and June 19th 1865 when General Gordon Granger and 2K troops arrived in Galveston, TX. Their purpose was to take possession of Texas and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. He read the contents of General Order No. 3 which was that all slaves were free. It is been an official state holiday in Texas since 1980. Out of the entire United States only 39 of them recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.
Some of the traditions to celebrate Juneteenth include the public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, families have reunions and exchange ancestry artifacts, sing traditional songs such as Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and Lift Every Voice and Sing, read poetry from famous African American authors such as Maya Angelou, parades, rodeos, cookouts, and park parties.
What are some of your fave things to do on Juneteenth?