The history of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
This image (courtesy of the Austin History Center of the Austin Public Library) is from a Juneteenth Celebration in Austin, Texas in 1900.
How is Juneteenth celebrated?
Juneteenth celebrations are held in most states, if not all. Especially in the South, these celebrations traditionally involve events such as picnics, rodeos, religious components like church ceremonies, and education and historical services for children. In the last 15 to 20 years, more companies are celebrating it, too.
Huntsville, Alabama Juneteenth Events:
The Rebuild Project Inc: Juneteenth Celebration
3715 Bragg St NW, Huntsville, AL 35810-2629, United States
Friday 6/19/20 2pm-9pm
“Our celebration will consist of food, games, storytelling and more! This event is completely FREE to the public. Our event welcomes all ages, especially children! We aim to provide a POSITIVE, fun and educational environment. Security will be enforced. Please come out and help celebrate history!”
JUNE19EENTH Jubilee
Saturday 6/20/20 2pm-9pm
Stoner Field 3715 Bragg St NW, Huntsville, AL 35810-2629, United States
“We are asking everyone to come out and enjoy each other! Let’s network, gain new friends, eat good and have a great time! The food and entertainment is completely FREE! We are asking for donations towards food and entertainment for the kids. Donations ARE NOT exclusive to money. Anything would help! If you are interested in promoting your business or selling your merchandise please contact one of us (contact info in flyer) hope to see the whole city out. Let’s turn Huntsville up for the weekend of Juneteenth!”
Fashion RehabX Event
Saturday at 1 PM – 6 PM
3400 Blue Springs Rd. A-4
Huntsville, Alabama 35810
FREE to all vendors, FREE FOOD while supplied last, and Free networking.
Campus 805 Event
Saturday June 20th 12pm-6pm
“The city has responded so well and with so much unity in the past few weeks that what better way to say thank you than at a family BBQ.
Come by and witness what many Americans call the TRUE Independence Day, because it was June 19th, 1865 when all the slaves were truly freed.
So bring your family, enjoy some fellowship with the community, and leave with a new sense of independence and American Heritage!!
**Masks are strongly encouraged**
#Juneteenth #BBQ #LiveMusic #MotivationalSpeakers #FoodTrucks #PlusMore ”
98.1 The Beat urges those celebrating Juneteenth this year to take the ongoing public health threat of the coronavirus seriously by wearing masks and practicing social distancing and hand-washing.
For more information about the history of Juneteenth check out https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm
*All events were found via Facebook.*