By: AshleyHamler Group 1 Junetenth By: AshleyHamler Group 1

Junetenth: What is it?

Background First, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. There are varied theories as to why he issued this emancipation for slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation only related to areas under the control of the Union. This proclamation did not include slaves in the border states (Galveston, TX) and southern states that were under the control of the Confederate States of America. This would soon lead to 13 Amendment to the Constitution on December 18, 1865 which "ended" slavery in all parts of the United States. So, on June 19, 1865, the Union General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, TX to inform the inhabitants of the news.

What General Gordon Granger Read: "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 of property   between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them   becomes that between employer and free laborer.  The freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages.  They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts, and that they will not be supported in idleness, either there or elsewhere."

Junetenth All around America June 19th, quickly became the day to celebrate the ending of slavery. Utah has celebrated Juneteenth formally for 18 years, and informally for much longer than that. African Americans celebrate Junetenth to Remeber when their ancestors were finally set free.

Celebrations Since Junetenth is not recognized as a national holiday, there are many festivals that take place. Most of the celebrations take place in the South and the Mid-west.

Campaigning Junetenth is not recognized as a National holiday. There have been many attempts to make it a holiday, how ever these all have failed.