Juneteenth: A History and Celebration of Black Freedom
The End of Slavery in the United States
Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery. It is celebrated annually on June 19th.
Galveston, Texas: June 19, 1865
Nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The arrival of these troops marked the end of slavery in Texas, as well as the rest of the Confederate states.
A Day of Celebration and Remembrance
Juneteenth has also been referred to as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, Second Independence Day, and Emancipation Day. It is a day when African Americans gather to celebrate their freedom and to remember the struggles of their ancestors.
Conclusion
Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the African American community. It is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for racial justice, and to recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done.
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