06/19/2024
Why We Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth is recognized as a commemoration of the effective end to slavery in the United States. While President Lincoln delivered his famous Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many slave owners in Southern states failed to inform their slaves of the landmark decision.
It took until June 19, 1865 – over two years after Lincoln’s address freeing slaves – for Union soldiers to ride into Galveston, Texas, and announce the abolition of slavery there.
Hence, Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation of all slaves.