06/19/2023
I love visiting the places of antiquity and hearing the storied tales of our people about our struggle, resilience and rise to to be among the giants in our land in every arena. Let our struggle propel us to continue to stand for righteousness and achievement against the odds. Let our unrelenting determination be our legacy.
May your Juneteenth be joyful!
This day celebrates the ending of Black enslavement in Texas. It was recognized federally in 2021, made a state holiday in 1980, and has been celebrated by Black Texans for more than 150 years.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops in Texas began to enforce the end of slavery. On that day in Galveston, Union Gen. Gordon Granger issued an order which read in part:
“The people of Texas 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…”
Approximately 250,000 formerly enslaved Texans had new legal rights, which were codified later that year by ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Learn more about Juneteenth with our recorded digital program: bit.ly/juneteenthprogram22