The History of Juneteenth: America's Longest-Running African American Holiday
Juneteenth (a blending of the words "June Nineteenth") marks a pivotal moment in American history: when, on June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to assert control over the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. This significant event occurred two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, underscoring the slow and uneven process of emancipation across the United States. Juneteenth is a day of profound importance, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. and standing as the longest-running African American holiday. It was officially recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
The Context of Emancipation
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states in rebellion against the Union "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." This proclamation, however, did not immediately free all enslaved people. It applied only to areas under Confederate control. It did not affect slave-holding border states or regions already under Union control. Despite its limitations, the proclamation was a crucial step toward ending slavery. As Northern troops advanced into the South, many enslaved individuals escaped to Union lines seeking freedom.
The Situation in Texas
In Texas, the institution of slavery continued unabated due to the absence of significant Union military presence and large-scale fighting. Many enslavers from other states relocated to Texas, considering it a safe haven for maintaining slavery. This situation persisted until the spring of 1865, when the Civil War officially ended with Robert E Lee's surrender to Ulysses S Grant at Appomattox Courthouse.
The Arrival of General Granger
On June 19, 1865, U.S. General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and publicly read General Orders No. 3, which declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." It was this moment that marked a turning point for the 250,000 enslaved individuals in Texas. While emancipation was not instantaneous for everyone—some enslavers withheld the news until after the harvest season—celebrations among newly freed Black people soon erupted, giving birth to the annual Juneteenth festivities.
The Spread and Recognition of Juneteenth
The first official Juneteenth celebration, initially called "Jubilee Day," was organized by freedmen in Texas on June 19, 1866. The observance grew over the following decades, featuring music, barbecues, prayer services, and various community activities. African Americans migrated from Texas to other parts of the United States, carrying the Juneteenth tradition with them and fostering its spread nationwide.
In 1979, Texas became the first state to declare Juneteenth an official holiday. Gradually, other states followed suit. The movement to recognize Juneteenth culminated on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed a resolution passed by Congress, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.