Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Jun-Jun, is the oldest African-American observance in the United States. It marks the date of June 19th and commemorates the end of slavery across the country. As we are aware, the issue of slavery was the key factor leading to the Civil War in 1861. One year after, in 1862, laws were passed in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico territories abolishing slavery. Then on September 22nd of that same year, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation to rebellious states that if they did not return to the Union by January 1st, 1863, their slaves would automatically be declared "forever free." These states included Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Caroline, Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas , Arkansas and Virginia. This proclamation led to the Emancipation Proclamation which declared slaves in these 11 resistant states as free. On January 31st , 1865 Congress passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery throughout the entire country.
On June 19th ,1865 General Gordon Granger (along with his federal troops) arrived in Galveston Texas
In the late 1930's and early 1940's, a second wave of black migration occurred as many moved from the southwestern states to California. Despite the move, these new west coast residents continued to celebrate Juneteenth. However, over time, this observance evolved into picnics mainly organized by those who had migrated from the same state. For instance, every year on June 19th, a "Oklahoma Picnic" is held at Lincoln Heights Park in Los Angeles. The main theme that emerged from these gatherings was that of a "homecoming." As such, West Coast blacks who originally hailed from east Texas and its neighboring areas made it a tradition to return home for a visit during the week of June 19th.
While the practice of celebrating Juneteenth is still common today, the specific date chosen to commemorate the Emancipation varies from state to state. The date was established after the defeat of local Confederate forces and differs according to location. For instance, some areas such as New York City and Boston, as well as states like Alabama, Georgia, North & South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland observe Juneteenth on January 1st. In Philadelphia it is observed on February 1st, while in eastern Mississippi it falls on May 8th. Other locations such as Florida (May 20th), Ontario (August 1st), eastern Arkansas and parts of Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois (August 4th), southwestern Kentucky (August 8th), Indiana and other parts of Illinois and Ohio (September 22nd) have different dates assigned for Juneteenth celebrations. However, certain areas including East Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, southwestern Arkansas, southern Oklahoma and California continue to celebrate Juneteenth on the traditional date of June 19th.
Although Juneteenth has political origins, the holiday is primarily focused on enjoyment and fun. There are various activities such as picnics, beauty pageants, parades, talent contests, and sporting events that take place during the festivities. Singing and dancing are also common elements in these celebrations. This joyful expression serves as a reminder of the lively New Year's Eve celebrations in 1862 when African Americans eagerly anticipated President Lincoln's proclamation of freedom for slaves in the 11 southern seceded states.