| Throughout the year our nation sets aside time for | | | | now-former slaves into a frenzy of jubilation, and from |
| people to reflect upon our history, and to celebrate the | | | | this joy was born the first Juneteenth. |
| momentous events and influential people who helped | | | | Since that time, Juneteenth has grown into an annual |
| shape America into what it is today - the land of the | | | | commemoration of that day, culminating in activities to |
| free, and a prosperous world power. February is often | | | | be enjoyed by all Americans. One might expect to |
| acknowledged as Black History Month, while March for | | | | enjoy a variety of ethnic foods at a Juneteenth |
| women's history. June, however, extends the | | | | festival, along with musical acts, games, and |
| celebration for African-Americans as Juneteenth is | | | | reenactments. Where Juneteenth is recognized as a |
| observed. | | | | state holiday, celebrations might be sponsored by |
| It may sound like a made-up number, but Juneteenth | | | | various cities, while other venues around the United |
| actually dates as far back at the mid-nineteenth | | | | States may hold smaller festivals. |
| century, and rightfully so. Each year around the United | | | | Juneteenth, however, is more than an opportunity to |
| States, Juneteenth celebrations mark the anniversary | | | | celebrate African-American culture. It is also a time of |
| of the end of slavery in America - the emancipation of | | | | reflection and remembrance. Area churches and |
| all African peoples brought to this growing country for | | | | libraries may use this time to offer seminars and films |
| labor and servitude. Normally celebrated on June 19th, | | | | about this dark period in our nation's history, and pay |
| Juneteenth festivities around the US - particularly the | | | | tribute to those who did not live to see the first |
| southern states - may last as long as week or even | | | | Juneteenth. Religious services may be held to honor |
| the whole month. Fourteen states have officially | | | | the pioneers who never gave up hope for freedom, |
| recognized Juneteenth as an official state holiday. | | | | and panel discussions may invite all to discuss ways to |
| "Juneteenth" gets its name from a combination of the | | | | support African-American fellowship and business. |
| words "June" and "nineteenth," as derived from that | | | | Juneteenth offers the opportunity to connect and |
| historical date in 1865. While the Emancipation | | | | strengthen the spirit. |
| Proclamation had been put into effect by President | | | | If you are interested in participating in a Juneteenth |
| Lincoln two years prior, the Civil War still raged through | | | | event in your area, or perhaps organizing one if one |
| the country, and the Rebel states which had seceded | | | | has yet to happen, an quick Internet search on |
| refused to acknowledge it. It took a bloody defeat by | | | | "Juneteenth" will lead to a wealth of information on |
| Union troops to secure the freedoms of those of | | | | Juneteenth traditions, possible topics for educational |
| African descent, and on the Juneteenth date in 1865, | | | | seminars, and recipes to serve. As always, remember |
| Union General Gordon Granger personally saw to the | | | | those you celebrate, and seek to create a positive |
| release of slaves in Galveston Island in Texas. The | | | | celebration for future generations. |
| knowledge that they were finally free sent the | | | | |