What is Celebrated on the Festible of Juneteenth?

Answer 1

Juneteenth commemorates the day Union (Northern) General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston Island, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves. Because this happened on June 19, 1865, the date was shortened to the word "Juneteenth". This is what General Granger read: "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." As you can imagine, the slaves of Texas were dancing in the streets over this news. By the next year, cities and towns held organized celebrations on June 19th, and in many of those towns, the tradition has continued. In Houston, TX, and Austin, TX, there are parks for the purpose of Juneteenth celebrations. Parades are held, and families have picnics to remember the day their ancestors were really free. If you live in Texas, you should try to find a friend who will invite you to a Juneteenth festival!