Juneteenth is celebrated every year on June 19, to commemorate the ending of legal slavery in the United States. 

On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger, issued the order that: 

“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, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly 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.” 

Although the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect 2.5 years before, news was slow to reach Texas. Even with the order from Granger, there was not instantaneous freedom. People who owned slaves had to decide when and how to announce the news. Oftentimes, they waited for a government agent to arrive with the information. In some instances, those who endeavored to act on their newly found freedom were severely, and sometimes fatally, punished. 

Despite the confusion and violence, the newly freed Black community had a date to rally around, transforming this day into a celebration.

Today, Juneteenth continues the legacy of celebration the end of legal slavery but also provides space to imagine new futures. Across the country, this time is marked with celebrations, lectures, picnics, and family gatherings.

To learn more about Juneteenth, feel free to check out the links below before delving into your own search!

Celebrate Juneteenth with Sheri Booker || Enoch Pratt Free Library

Midday on Juneteenth: Live || Reginald F. Lewis Museum

"Let's Talk": The International Day of Drumming and Healing || Howard County Library - Miller Branch

John Hopkins BFSA Commemoration of Juneteenth || JHU - Glass Pavilion