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Juneteenth… Freedom Three Years Late! The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on September 22, 1862. The "effective date" was set for January 1, 1863. But in some areas, it did not matter… Texas, almost completely under Confederate control at that time, was a prime example. Life went on as usual after the Proclamation; slaves were still slaves no matter what someone in Washington said! Until — on June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived! They came to take possession of the state of Texas and enforce the emancipation of the slaves. The General Order No. 3, read by Granger to the citizens of Galveston, was worded as follows: "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 personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. "The freedmen are advised to remain quietly 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 here or elsewhere." That historic day, now known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day, was the beginning of emancipation in Texas — as well as a clear warning to other states dragging their feet in compliance with the Emancipation Proclamation. No one is naïve enough to believe that life went smoothly immediately afterward. Although the former slaves in the Galveston area rejoiced that day, it wasn't until the following year that Juneteenth celebrations in Texas became widespread. By that time, many freed people had started to pool their wages to buy land, thus creating parks for larger celebrations. Juneteenth celebrations remained indigenous to the state of Texas for almost a century, with the lone exception of one small community in Arkansas. Barbeques, music, games, and Big Red Soda became integral parts of the festivities. In 1980, Juneteenth was made an official state holiday in Texas, although still considered only a partial staffing day. As of February, 2008, a full 26 states, including California, had recognized Juneteenth. Celebrations were still informal, however; legal recognition with full state / government office closure was not granted. However, by June 2012, the number of states that had recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or state holiday observance raised to 41. Current posting on the Juneteenth.com website notes: "Through the efforts of those at the grassroots level, to those on the state and national levels, Juneteenth celebrations are now held in most, if not all, 50 states. The recognition and honor of Juneteenth extends even beyond our borders. Expatriates, teachers, servicemen and others have continued their celebrations internationally. We cherish their dedication, as well as each and every one of you, who see the wisdom and vision of an America who comes to terms with truth, acknowledges its mistakes and commits to liberty and justice for all. We live in a different world today. There is no room, nor time, for bigotry, hatred and racism within our own citizenry." ~ Bobbie Eckel Community News | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2013 9

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