Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrated annually on June 19th in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America.
The holiday originated on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. This announcement came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had officially outlawed slavery in Confederate states as of January 1, 1863. However, enforcement of this proclamation had been slow and uneven across different parts of the South.
Juneteenth celebrates the moment when the news of freedom reached one of the last groups of enslaved people in the United States, marking a significant moment in American history. It is observed with celebrations that include parades, picnics, barbecues, music, and community gatherings, often focusing on African American culture, history, and achievements
Let’s take the time to learn more about this meaningful day and honor the rich Black history in America which has tremendously shaped and enriched who we are as a nation. Here is a link of some great books and resources:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/juneteenth/