General Granger

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [notes]

JUNETEENTH: A FREEDOM CELEBRATION

"Juneteenth has come to symbolize for many African Americans what the Fourth of July symbolizes for all Americans….Freedom."

          Juneteenth, a celebration that goes by unnoticed by most Americans, is one of the most important celebrations to states, that choose to recognize it, because it was a major factor in uniting our country. What exactly is Juneteenth, you may be asking? Well, what you may not know is that - despite the fact that the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862, was to free the slaves in the rebellious states, it was not acknowledged by the Texans, and as a result 800,000 slaves were not freed by the proclamation. It wasn't until after the Civil War that the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution were enforced that the slaves were really freed. The 13th Amendment clearly states that slavery was outlawed in the United States. The reason the news of the proclamation did not reach Texas was simply because they were not invaded by the Union forces. When the news spread that there were still slaves in Texas, slave owners from other states brought their slaves to Texas. ^{[ 1 ]}

          The slaves anxiously waited two and a half years until June 19, 1865, after General Lee surrendered in April of 1865, and General Granger arrived with his brigade in Galveston, Texas. They were finally strong enough to conquer the resistance to slavery. Granger's first priority was to read his General Order No. 3. The beginning, the most influential part, started with,

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 rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer. ^{[ 2 ]}

          A variety of reactions occurred, some stood in total shock and some in an instant euphoria. Despite the fact that the slaves had nowhere in particular to go, they fled. They fled to the North because most slaves felt that it represented 'true freedom.' Soon, reality hit and these free men and women had to learn how to face the "real world" on their own. This also led the strong leaders to help establish a status for the black race that prior to this had been nonexistent. Memories of June 19, 1865, encouraged the men and women to work harder toward their progression in society . ^{[ 3 ]}

          The Juneteenth celebration continued annually because it was a time for families to get together and pray for each other and encourage one another. It was also a time for education and self-improvement. Most descendants of slaves traveled back to Galveston, Texas, for these celebrations. At these daylong celebrations, there was a variety of entertainment. Most of these traditions carry on today with rodeos and barbecuing. However, Juneteenth was not always celebrated annually. Economic and cultural influences caused a natural decline of the yearly Juneteenth activities. The Depression caused many people on the farms to go to cities to find work. Companies would not let their employees leave for celebrations, especially since July 4th was customarily known as Independence Day, a holiday attributed to patriotism and American freedom.

          During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's and 1960's, Juneteenth celebrations began to thrive again. It allowed for African American children to relate to their ancestors in their struggle for racial equality. Twenty years later, on January 1, 1980, Juneteenth was declared an official holiday in the state of Texas. The document recognizes the celebration as the first emancipation celebration granted official state appreciation.

          Juneteenth is still a popular celebration today. Popular organizations, such as the Smithsonian and the Henry Ford Museum, have been sponsoring Juneteenth activities for a number of years. Recently, the National Juneteenth Organization was formed to further develop knowledge and understanding of African American history and culture. The organization puts together parades, picnics, etc., for the nation. Some picnics are held at Houston's Emancipation Park and the Emancipation Park in Austin, Texas. Throughout all the years and traditions celebrated and not celebrated, the theme of Juneteenth has remained the same, and that is the freedom of slaves and the chance for a new beginning. Freedom is something each American should be proud of to have and celebrate! Go out today and CELEBRATE, because "freedom is always worth celebrating!" ^{[ 4 ]}

[Megan Schwab]