Honoring Juneteenth

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th, marking a critical moment in American history. On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, which actually occurred in Texas more than two years earlier with the issue of  President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth commemorates the liberation of enslaved African Americans and represents the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. This historical milestone celebrates African American culture, heritage, and resilience, serving as a time for reflection, education, and community gatherings to honor African Americans' rich cultural traditions and contributions to our society.

Juneteenth holds significant educational value as it provides an opportunity to learn about our history, engage in discussions about racial equality, and reflect on how far we've come and the work still ahead.

Photo: Publishers throughout the North responded to a demand for copies of Lincoln’s proclamation and produced numerous decorative                versions, including this engraving by R. A. Dimmick in 1864.  National Museum of American History, gift of Ralph E. Becker