What is Juneteenth | The Reality

What is Juneteenth | The Reality

Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19th, which is the date that the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in the Confederate states to be free, was finally enforced in Texas in 1865. The holiday is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day and is celebrated by African Americans in many parts of the country.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War. It declared that all slaves in the Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” However, the Proclamation had little immediate effect, as it did not apply to the border states that remained in the Union or to the slaves in the Confederate states that were already under Union control.

It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, more than two years later, that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with a detachment of federal troops and announced that all slaves in Texas were free. This event, known as “Juneteenth,” marks the end of slavery in the United States, although some slaves in other parts of the country were not freed until later.

Juneteenth is an important holiday for African Americans, as it marks the end of a long and painful period in American history. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and education, as it serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. Many African Americans view Juneteenth as a second Independence Day, as it represents the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom.

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Juneteenth is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, festivals, picnics, and other community events. Many people attend these events to learn about African American history and to celebrate the cultural contributions of African Americans. Some people also hold readings of the Emancipation Proclamation or other historical documents, or participate in educational workshops and lectures.

Juneteenth is not a federal holiday, but it is recognized as a state holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Some cities and towns also recognize Juneteenth as a local holiday, and many employers give their employees the day off as a paid holiday.

Over the years, Juneteenth has become an increasingly popular holiday, as more and more people have become aware of its significance. It has also gained support from politicians and other public figures, and there have been efforts to make it a national holiday. Many people believe that recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday would be an important step towards acknowledging and addressing the historic injustices suffered by African Americans.

In conclusion, Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19th and is an important day for African Americans, as it marks the end of a long and painful period in American history and the beginning of freedom. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and education, and is recognized as a state holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. There have been efforts to make Juneteenth a national holiday, as many people believe that it would be an important step towards acknowledging and addressing the historic injustices suffered by African Americans.

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