What is the turning point in American history that Juneteenth marks?
For the past seven days, we’ve been pleased to see Lubbock residents of all races joining in commemorating the announcement by Gen. Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, that freedom for all had become effective in Texas with the end of the Civil War. If you haven’t had an opportunity to take part yet in the 30th-annual local Juneteenth celebration events, it’s not too late. More activities are on tap today and Saturday. We encourage everyone to help celebrate this monumental occasion in our nation’s history. Large celebrations on June 19 began in 1866 and continued regularly into the early 20th century. African-Americans treated this day like the Fourth of July and the celebrations contained similar events. In the early days, the celebration included a prayer service, speakers with inspirational messages, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, stories from former slaves, food, red soda water, games, rodeos and dances, according to the Texas State Library. The crescendo of this year’s ni
Juneteenth (June 19) marks the anniversary of the day in 1865, when General Gordon Granger announced the “Emancipation Proclamation” to the slaves in Texas. The slaves in Texas were the very last slaves to be freed after the Civil Ward because Confederate troops fought for several weeks after General Robert E. Lee’s surrender. There are many variations on the story of why the Texas slaves were not freed until June 19, 1865, some of which have historical documentation. The stories ranged from poor communication technology to the slaveowner’s efforts to finish one last harvest. Juneteenth has traditionally been celebrated in Texas and other bordering states such as Louisiana and Arkansas. However, Black Independence Day (June 19) was celebrated in other areas where a large number of Black Texans lived. Juneteenth was celebrated by Black Americans in much the same style as the Fourth of July. Juneteenth was given official holiday status in Texas in 1979 which means that banks, government
BARSTOW • Lucille West-Brooks will have a lot on her mind during the Juneteenth celebration Saturday. Juneteenth, held June 19, marks the day that slaves in Texas were finally freed in 1865, nearly three years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln. Texas was the final state to free slaves. The date has become a day for African-Americans to celebrate with games, food and music, according to West-Brooks, the Juneteenth mistress of ceremonies. Barstow residents can join the celebration from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sturnacle Park Saturday. West-Brooks’ sister, Annie Jo Shropshire, helped start Barstow’s Juneteenth celebrations eight years ago. Shropshire died in October of 2007 and many of the founders of Barstow’s celebration have also passed away. Sources: http://www.desertdispatch.com/news/barstow-6316-celebrates-history.
