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Juneteenth is the grandfather of all freedom celebrations for African Americans. It marks the date, June 19, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their freedom. Spontaneous celebrations erupted: in the cotton fields, in the pastures, in mansions, in the streets, everywhere. Former slaves, cried, rejoiced loudly, prayed, sang songs of freedom in celebration, as the last chains of slavery were broken. Stories are told of how women threw their babies in the air and cried,

“You’s free, you’s free.” Other former slaves abandoned their work in the fields, leaving milk pails filled with warm milk; hats were thrown high in the air at the wharf in Galveston resembling a flock of black birds; former slaves cried, prayed, and made up freedom songs on the spot. Indeed, it was a day of rejoicing, as the following Proclamation # 3 was read:

The more organized celebrations of Juneteenth began in 1866, and continue today in just about every state in the United States with parades, music, drama, re-enactments, the reading of Proclamation #3, barbecues, family and class reunions, and church services. It is even a state holiday in Texas. I suppose you’re wondering how this freedom celebration got its name. Well, legend has it that Juneteenth (June 19) is the result of little girl not being able to pronounce June 19, and so she shortened it to Juneteenth. The manner in which Juneteenth is celebrated is not as important as the reason it is celebrated: it is a day to commemorate FREEDOM!

Muriel Miller Branch

“The people 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 personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them, become that between employer and hired labor. The freed are advised to remain at their present homes, and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.” By order of Major-General Granger.