Happy Juneteenth! Read about the early celebrations

[PatYoung]

Juneteenth started in Texas. It marks the day that Union armed forces, occupying Texas after the collapse of the Confederacy, announced to African Americans held in bondage that they were free. That June 19th, 1865 Emancipation was originally only celebrated in the City of Galveston where the proclamation of freedom was read. Within a few years, it was being celebrated around Texas. I have collected some Reconstruction Era newspaper articles about these early celebrations that show that even back then it was such an important holiday that Texas governors took note of it. Happy Juneteenth Everyone!

The Spread of "Juneteenth" in Reconstruction Era Texas - The Reconstruction Era

Juneteenth was not called “Juneteenth” the first time it was celebrated. It was called “Emancipation Day” or “Jubilee Day” in most early accounts. And while...

thereconstructionera.com

 

[O' Be Joyful]

African-American Civil War Memorial

The first memorial dedicated solely to the Black troops who fought for the Union.

www.atlasobscura.com

IIRC, Alan/@ForeverFree volunteers at the museum across the street.

I hope that he is doing well, as we have not had any contact in quite some time. If anyone could provide an update as to how he is doing it would be greatly appreciated.

G

 

[O' Be Joyful]

What is Juneteenth and Why Do We Celebrate It?

Independence Day is the quintessential all-American holiday, but those annual Fourth of July celebrations don't hold the same significance for all Americans.

www.rd.com

 

[Joshism]

How did a state holiday commemorating a state-specific event to become an almost nationwide holiday? Was there any particular individuals or organizations promoting it in the last decade or two?

It became an official Texas holiday in 1980 and only 3 other states had made it a holiday by 2000. Yet now in 2020 it's a holiday in 47.5 of 50.5 states. That seems like a remarkable change.

While I have been aware of the holiday for years, this is the first year I can recall it being made into a big deal. (The reason why it's a big deal this year being obvious.) I had no idea it's been a state holiday in Florida for over 20 years.

 

[O' Be Joyful]

(The reason why it's a big deal this year being obvious.)

For once the president may have been telling a partial truth.

 

[diane]

African-American Civil War Memorial

The first memorial dedicated solely to the Black troops who fought for the Union.

www.atlasobscura.com

IIRC, Alan/@ForeverFree volunteers at the museum across the street.

I hope that he is doing well, as we have not had any contact in quite some time. If anyone could provide an update as to how he is doing it would be greatly appreciated.

G

He's well! Sure miss him.

 

[O' Be Joyful]

He's well! Sure miss him.

 

[5fish]

Recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday in the US
Red Recognized before 2000
Orange Recognized between 2000 and 2009
Blue Recognized in 2010 or after

Most states recognize it in some way, either as a ceremonial observance or a state holiday. Texas was the first state to recognize the date, in 1980. By 2002, eight states officially recognized Juneteenth[61] and four years later 15 states recognized the holiday.[23] By 2008, nearly half of states observed the holiday as a ceremonial observance.[11] By 2019, 47 states and the District of Columbia recognized Juneteenth,[59] although only one state (Texas) has adopted the holiday as a paid holiday for state employees.[62] In 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker issued a proclamation that the day would be marked as "Juneteenth Independence Day". This followed the filing of bills by both the House and Senate to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Baker did not comment on these bills specifically, but promised to grant the observance of Juneteenth greater importance. [63]
The only three states yet to legally recognize Juneteenth as either a state or ceremonial holiday are Hawaii, North Dakota, and South Dakota.[64][65] Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota proclaimed June 19, 2020, as Juneteenth Day, spurring calls for it to be recognized annually, rather than just for 2020. [66] Similarly, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum announced that the state would formally recognize Friday, June 19, 2020, as Juneteenth Day in North Dakota for the year 2020.[67]