Happy Juneteeth!

In communities around the country, annual Juneteenth celebrations are taking place. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is recognized as an annual holiday or holiday observance in 29 states. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas and commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became law, Union General Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, Texas with his federal troops to take possession of Texas and enforce the emancipation of her slaves. When the slaves learned of their freedom they celebrated in the streets. A year later the first Juneteeth celebration took place. Today many people celebrate Juneteeth in addition to celebrating the Fourth of July. To find out more about Juneteenth and what celebration are taking place near you go to Juneteenth World Wide Celebration.