Juneteenth is short for "June Nineteenth," the day where we honor the end of slavery in the United States. It is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

As more Americans become aware of Juneteenth as a holiday, it's important to learn about its history and significance. The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, had established that all enslaved people in Confederate states in rebellion against the Union "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." (1)

It was not until two years later on June 19, 1865, that the remaining 250,000 enslaved people were freed from Galveston, Texas. On this day, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. Many enslavers continued to hold enslaved people captive after the Emancipation announcement, so Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African American freedom.

Attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations.

And still, another is that federal troops actually waited for the enslavers to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which or none of these versions could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln's authority over the rebellious states was in question. Whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and for planning the future.

Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

Happy Juneteenth to everyone on Wattpad!

References

(1) Nix, Elizabeth. "What is Juneteenth?" History. 18 June 2020. Source Page.