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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is an annual holiday or observance in 26 of the 50 states. (Courtesy graphic)
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Juneteenth
Posted 6/17/2008 Updated 6/18/2008
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Commentary by Staff Sgt. Michael Baker
Minot Air Force Base Equal Opportunity
6/17/2008 - Minot Air Force Base, N.D. -- If asked the question, "What is Juneteenth" would you be able to answer it? This will help you answer it.
June 19, 1865, was the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston Island, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on Sept. 22, 1862, and went into effect Jan. 1, 1863. Unfortunately, it had very little impact on the everyday lives of most slaves in Texas. Legend has it while standing on the balcony of Galveston's Ashton Villa, General Granger read the contents of "General Order No. 3," which forced the adherence to the Emancipation Proclamation.
June 19 has since become known as Juneteenth, a name derived from a combination of the words June and nineteenth. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year with former slaves in Galveston rejoicing in the streets with jubilant celebrations. Across many parts of Texas, freed individuals pooled their funds to purchase land specifically for their communities' increasingly large Juneteenth gatherings. Juneteenth celebrations include a wide range of festivities, such as parades, street fairs, cookouts, and park parties with music and dancing and contests of physical strength and intellect.
Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is an annual holiday or observance in 26 of the 50 states. Since 1980, Juneteenth has been an official state holiday in Texas. Twelve other states list it as an official holiday, including Arkansas, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Alaska. Its unofficial observance has spread to other states, with a few celebrations even taking place in other countries.
Today, Juneteenth recognizes African-American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time marked for remembrance of all that has happened in this country. In the end, our survival depends on the coexistence of all races to unite and live as one people. Juneteenth brings us one step closer to that dream.
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