Juneteenth Celebrations Continue Today
This year Juneteenth has arrived on Monday and Tuesday marking the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S.
Celebrated on June 18th and 19th, Juneteenth celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued by President Lincoln in 1863. The document took two years to reach the entire nation, and it was on days in June in 1865 that the Union Army brought news that African Americans were free in one of the farthest stretches of the Confederate States- Galveston, Texas.
Juneteenth was first celebrated in Texas, but southern states such as Alabama and Florida also observed the holiday.
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According to the official Juneteenth website, the event "commemorates African-American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing."
While the event holds great significance, Juneteenth celebrations have waned over the years. Those who still observe the special days do so in a variety of different ways.
Some communities hold educational conferences on the history of slavery in America, while some school display their support for African American communities with skits, dance and dramas. Families often get together for dinners and barbecues, all in an effort to celebrate the end of slavery and remember those who made it happen.
On Twitter, users are posting their thoughts on Juneteenth.
"You celebrate July 4, but if you knew your real history you would celebrate #Juneteenth," wrote Anevay.
Chanel wrote, "Happy Juneteenth. Look how far we've come. and there's no one but god to thank for that."
"Juneteenth already," wrote Carol. "Three cheers for emancipation. And Lincoln."
Rev. Yearwood posted, "This #Juneteenth let us remember that we have fought for & won many freedoms in the past, but that civil rights movement is ongoing."
