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Many slave owners had just ignored the Emancipation Proclamation executive order of 1863 until Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
On that day in 1865 General Granger read General Orders, No.3 to the people of Galveston.
"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."
Juneteenth: church celebrations grow to a state holiday
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Celebrants often sing traditional songs as well such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and read poetry from authors like Maya Angelou. |
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Observance of Juneteenth has traditionally tended towards church-centered celebrations featuring food, fun, and a focus on self-improvement and education by guest speakers. Often, events include a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Traditions surrounding Juneteenth have made their way into songs and books, including Ralph Ellison’s second novel.
Although initially associated with Texas and other Southern states, the Civil Rights era and the Poor People's March to Washington in 1968, in particular, helped spread the tradition all across America—to the extent that Milwaukee and Minneapolis now host two of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the nation.
Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1980. Several states have since issued proclamations recognizing the holiday, but the Lone Star State remains alone in granting it full state holiday status, a day when government employees have the day off.
Rodeos, block parties and flag celebrations mark Juneteenth
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Some Juneteenth events may include historical reenactments or Miss Juneteenth contests. |
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Today Juneteenth is promoted not only as a commemoration of African-American freedom, but as a celebration of diversity, education and achievement.
A range of public, community and private events are held to celebrate Juneteenth, often on a weekend close to June 19.
These include:
1. Baseball games
2. Pot luck outdoor cookouts, barbecues or picnics
3. Rodeos
4. Neighborhood or block parties
5. Community flag raising ceremonies
6. Juneteenth displays in city halls, libraries, schools and post offices
7. Essay or artwork competitions for young people
8. Presentations of community service awards
Americans also decorate conference rooms or corridors at their workplace, their neighborhood and yards with Juneteenth banners, yard signs and flags.
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I think we've been witnessing violence for years, whether in reality through the media or through video games, and I don't think that's a first-hand effect.
