Juneteenth: The First Day of Freedom

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were now free. This day, now known as Juneteenth, is celebrated as the day that slavery finally ended in the United States. Juneteenth_The_First_Day_Of_Freedom.jpg

The Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier, had declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were free. However, this proclamation was not immediately enforced in many areas, and many slaves continued to be held in bondage. It was not until Union troops arrived in Galveston that the news of emancipation finally reached all parts of the country.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

by Angela Johnson

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Language	:	English
File size	:	6314 KB
Print length	:	40 pages

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Juneteenth has been celebrated in Texas since 1866, and it became a state holiday in 1980. In recent years, Juneteenth has gained wider recognition and is now celebrated in many other states and communities across the country. It is a day to remember the end of slavery and to celebrate the freedom and equality that all Americans deserve.

The History of Juneteenth

The origins of Juneteenth can be traced back to the end of the Civil War. In April 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. This marked the effective end of the war, although some Confederate forces continued to resist for a few more months.

News of Lee's surrender reached Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Union General Gordon Granger arrived in the city with a detachment of troops and issued General Free Download No. 3, which declared that all slaves in Texas were free.

This Free Download was not immediately enforced in all parts of Texas, but it eventually led to the emancipation of all slaves in the state. Juneteenth became a day of celebration for freed slaves and their descendants, and it has been celebrated every year since.

The Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a significant day in American history. It marks the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom and equality for African Americans.

Juneteenth is a reminder of the struggles that African Americans have faced throughout history, but it is also a celebration of their resilience and their determination to overcome adversity.

Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the past and to look forward to the future. It is a day to celebrate the progress that has been made, and to recommit ourselves to the work of achieving full equality for all Americans.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth

There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. Some popular activities include:

Juneteenth is a day for everyone to celebrate, regardless of race or background. It is a day to come together and reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

Juneteenth is a day of great significance in American history. It marks the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom and equality for African Americans. Juneteenth is a day to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. It is a day for all Americans to come together and celebrate the progress that has been made, and to recommit ourselves to the work of achieving full equality for all.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

by Angela Johnson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6314 KB
Print length	:	40 pages

FREE