“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 hired laborer.” Gordon Granger – Union General, June 19, 1865
On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all enslaved peoples in the Confederate states, thus ending slavery in the United States. The last enslaved African Americans were freed by Union Troops on June 19, 1865, in Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The newly freed people named this day Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. It has been celebrated as a second independence day ever since, especially within the African American community. Sadly, many Americans are still unaware of this day and its historical significance, but with the signing of legislation on June 17, 2021, to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, that is beginning to change.
We are proud to honor this important holiday. Please join us on June 27 at Third Baptist Church from 2:30-5 for a potluck celebration. The Juneteenth Committee would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Third Baptist Church for graciously hosting this event. Donations to make this event possible are greatly appreciated. https://gofund.me/71e6c8fa9
To learn more about Juneteenth, we encourage you to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture at https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth.