THE HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH

JANUARY 1, 1863

President Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation, effectively calling for the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery in the U.S. Despite this, more than 250,000 slaves in Texas were unaware of their freedom, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

JUNE 19, 1865

Major General Gordon Granger of the union Army lands in Galveston Texas with roughly 2,000 Union soldiers to enforce President Licoln’s Emanicpation Proclamation.

There are varying accounts of why it took so long for the news of slavery’s abolition. Regardless, Granger’s arrival and the news kicked off widespread celebrations accross the state.

1866

Freed Slaves in Texas marked June 19 with anniversary celebrations, including prayer services and church gatherings in the Black community. Over subsequent years, annual Juneteenth celebrations continued, with former slaves and their families celebrating their freedom across generations. It marks a day for “grass-roots celerbation highlighted by joyous singing, pig roasts, and rodeos,” according to Smithsonian Magazine.

1938-TODAY

Texas designates June 19 as a day of observance for Juneteenth celebrations, called Emancipation day, two days after up to 200,000 people turned out for celebrations in Dallas.

Juneteenth did not become an official state holiday in Texas until 1980. As of 2020, 47 States and the District of Columbia have all passed legislation recognizing juneteenth as either a state holiday or day of observance.