What is the real story of Juneteenth?

Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.

What did slaves do on Juneteenth?

It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state's residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The former slaves immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.

Who started the idea of Juneteenth?

Deriving its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth", it is celebrated on the anniversary of General Order No. 3, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.

Why do they call it Juneteenth?

The name "Juneteenth" references the date of the holiday, combining the words "June" and "nineteenth." "On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led the Union Soldiers to Galveston, TX, to announce the end of the war and the freedom of all enslaved people.

Why is Juneteenth the end of slavery?

Juneteenth honors the date, June 19, 1865, when the last Confederate community of enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, received word that they had been freed from bondage. Union General Gordon Granger led the unit in Galveston who would ensure the proclamation was enforced.

EXPLAINED: The Real History of Juneteenth

What was the last state to free slaves?

It wasn't until more than two years later, in June of 1865, that U.S. Army troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to officially announce and enforce emancipation. Texas was the last state of the Confederacy in which enslaved people officially gained their freedom—a fact that is not well-known.

When did slavery actually end?

Passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified on December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

What was the first state to free slaves?

In 1780, Pennsylvania became the first state to abolish slavery when it adopted a statute that provided for the freedom of every slave born after its enactment (once that individual reached the age of majority). Massachusetts was the first to abolish slavery outright, doing so by judicial decree in 1783.

What is the difference between Emancipation Day and Juneteenth?

Emancipation Day. In Texas, Juneteenth and Emancipation Day are the same day. In other states, the end of slavery is commemorated on the specific date when emancipation began there, including: Virginia (Richmond) (April 3)31.

Who freed the slaves?

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

Who decided Juneteenth is a holiday?

117th Congress

475 were both introduced to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. S. 475 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on June 15, 2021, and it passed the House by a vote of 415-14 on June 16, 2021.

What does the white star on the Juneteenth flag symbolize?

Deliberately consisting of a red, white, and blue color scheme just like the American flag, the Juneteenth flag has a white star in the center, meant to represent both Texas (the Lone Star State), as well as the freedom of enslaved people in all 50 states.

What events led to the creation of Juneteenth?

It all started during the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862 which led to the freedom of Black slaves. It was not until the first anniversary in 1865 that the observance of June 19th became a holiday commemorating the African American Emancipation Day.

Which presidents did not own slaves?

Of the U.S.' first twelve presidents, the only two never to own slaves were John Adams, and his son John Quincy Adams; the first of which famously said that the American Revolution would not be complete until all slaves were freed.

What do the colors of Juneteenth represent?

People designed this flag to tell the story of the unity among people from Africa. The colors: Red to stand for struggle and sacrifice. Black to stand for black people. Green to stand for the natural wealth of the land of Africa.

Why is Juneteenth instead of Emancipation Proclamation?

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops' arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

What ended slavery in the United States?

The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is recognized by many as the formal abolition of slavery in the United States.

What is Juneteenth called in Texas?

Texas House Bill 1016 passed in the 66th Legislature, Regular Session, declared June 19, "Emancipation Day in Texas," a legal state holiday effective starting in 1980. Since that time, the celebration of Juneteenth continues across the state of Texas with parades, picnics, and dancing.

What are some Juneteenth traditions?

Music, dancing, and games — like dominoes, bid whist, and spades — round out some festivities. Serving red drinks, which symbolizes perseverance and honors the blood that was shed by our ancestors, is another Juneteenth tradition.

What states have no slaves?

By 1789, five of the Northern states had policies that started to gradually abolish slavery: Pennsylvania (1780), New Hampshire and Massachusetts (1783), Connecticut and Rhode Island (1784). Vermont abolished slavery in 1777, while it was still independent.

Which US state did not have slaves?

As part of the Compromise of 1850, California was admitted as a free state without a slave state pair; California's admission also meant there would be no slave state on the Pacific Ocean.

What state did not have slaves?

Five northern states agreed to gradually abolish slavery, with Pennsylvania being the first state to approve, followed by New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

How did slavery start in the world?

Evidence of slavery predates written records; the practice has existed in many cultures. and can be traced back 11,000 years ago due to the conditions created by the invention of agriculture during the Neolithic Revolution. Economic surpluses and high population densities were conditions that made mass slavery viable.

Who ended slavery in?

They rejoiced when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring the slaves free in many parts of the South. In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery in the country.

Does the 13th Amendment allow slavery?

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.