Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.
Juneteenth combines June and the 19 th and commemorates the date that enslaved people in Galveston Texas where informed of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of legal slavery in the US.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation “officially” ended slavery in all states fighting against the Union in the Civil War, freedom did not come automatically, and it was not until Union soldiers took control of Confederate areas that they informed enslaved people of the end of slavery.
In the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people did not learn of the Emancipation Proclamation until over two years after the effective date of the Emancipation Proclamation, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth” by the newly freed people in Texas, with the first Juneteenth
Celebration taking place the very next year, with parades, picnics, and joyous gatherings. Over the years, Juneteenth celebrations continued to grow. The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty and struggle for the African Americans. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish school, run for political office, push radical legislation and even sue slaveholders for compensation.
Given the 200+ years of enslavement, such changes were nothing short of amazing Not even a generation out of slavery, African Americans were inspired and empowered to transform their lives and their country.
In 1980, Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas and in 2021, it became a federal holiday that has come to symbolize Black aspirations for freedom and a time to hope and celebrate the resilience of the African American spirit. The holiday is also called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”
Juneteenth is a time to Reconnect with Our African Roots.
Juneteenth provides an opportunity for us to celebrate our heritage as African Americans. We are Africans who were forcibly removed from Africa to America. As we reflect on our heritage, Juneteenth provides us a great opportunity to learn more about our history and reconnect to our African roots.
We invite you to join our June 2025 Return to the Motherland Tour and celebrate Juneteenth
Ghana Style!
