Juneteenth; The Emancipation Proclamation

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On this day in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas heralding news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
That news came a little late—two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
But for many African Americans, Juneteenth has become the most celebrated day in American history.
It's a day to reflect on how far we've come, but it also reminds us of all that still needs to be done for race relations in this country.
The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
"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 rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."
The flag from Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861.

Certain foods became popular and subsequently synonymous with Juneteenth celebrations such as strawberry soda-pop. More traditional and just as popular was the barbecuing, through which Juneteenth participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors - the newly emancipated African Americans, would have experienced during their ceremonies. Hence, the barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations.

Food was abundant because everyone prepared a special dish. Meats such as lamb, pork and beef which not available everyday were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebrations left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next.

Official Juneteenth Poem
We Rose
From Africa’s heart, we rose
Already a people, our faces ebon, our bodies lean,
We rose
Skills of art, life, beauty and family
Crushed by forces we knew nothing of, we rose
Survive we must, we did,
We rose
We rose to be you, we rose to be me,
Above everything expected, we rose
To become the knowledge we never knew,
We rose
Dream, we did
Act we must.


Learn more: http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm
Photo: Juneteenth celebration from 1900 via The Smithsonian

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