How long has “Juneteenth” been celebrated?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, is the name given to emancipation day by African Americans in Texas. On that day in 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger read General Order #3 to the people of Galveston, which began as follows: “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…” Large celebrations on June 19 began in 1866 and continued regularly into the early 20th century. African Americans treated the day like the Fourth of July, and the celebrations included a prayer service, inspirational speakers, stories from former slaves, food, red soda water, rodeos, and dances. The celebration of Juneteenth as emancipation day spread from Texas to the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
