Juneteenth Now A National Holiday
Juneteenth is the time where we celebrate the freedom of all slaves. The Emancipation Proclamation was established in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. While this proclamation freed enslaved people, not all slaves were aware the proclamation had come to be. The slave owners, mostly in the south, continued the slave trade as it was a source of income for those participating in slave trade.
On June 19, 1865 General Gordan Granger came to Galveston, Texas to announce the freedom of all slaves, the Civil War was over, and the Union had won! Slaves in Texas were one of the last states to still practice slavery. Even months after Granger gave his announcement.
The first Juneteenth celebration was held in Texas. It was formerly known as “Jubilee Day” . It was tradition to eat red foods . This could consist of red soda, strawberry cakes, and more!
Under the Biden Administration, Juneteenth has become a national holiday. Every June 19th from now on will be called Juneteenth National Independence Day. This is the first federal holiday, signed into law, celebrating the African American community since Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
On Saturday June 19th, take some time to research, reflect, invest, and celebrate! Research as much as you can about what Juneteenth is and how it came to be. More than sixty percent of Americans don’t know anything about the national holiday. Reflect on the contributions and sacrifices that slaves made in the origin of this country. Invest in black-owned businesses to show your support. Finally, celebrate by attending a Juneteenth celebration in your local community and if there isn’t one, start your own!
Happy Juneteenth from Evergreen!
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