Yaaay Juneteenth!!! One of the few holidays that African Americans get to celebrate with the traditional BBQ and picnics, that actually pertain to the people. I have witnessed so many people participate in the St. Patties Day activities and Cinco De Mayo but what about June 19? For those that don't know June 19 is the day observed for African American independence in the Unites States and beyond. On June 19 1865, the Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to make the announcement that the war had finally ended and all the slaves were free. But wait, what happened with the Emancipation Proclamation? wasn't that the end all to slavery?
The Emancipation Proclamation was a document that was divided into two halves. The first half emancipated slaves in the Confederate states that did not return to Union control by January 1, 1863. The second half identified 10 specific states where the Proclamation would apply. There are several stories to explain why there is a 2 year delay between the Emancipation Proclamation and Juneteenth but none of them have validity. What it sounds like to me is the state of Texas just wanted a couple more years of free slave labor.
With all that being said Juneteenth needs to be recognized and celebrated worldwide. Not just by African Americans but people of all nations and color. To celebrate Cinco De Mayo and be ignorant of Juneteenth says so much about the people in America. What is even more surprising is that the great city of Atlanta, (which is a civl rights stomping ground) does nothing to commemorate the day as well. However, there are places like Texas and Minneapolis who have festivities planned and not only celebrate that day but an entire week. For a list of whats going on check this out
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