President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, abolishing slavery, on January 1, 1863. Two and half years later, on June 19, 1865, slaves in Texas finally heard of their emancipation when federal troops landed in Galveston, Texas. Out of this event grew the annual observation of Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrations spread to neighboring states as African Americans moved from Texas. Today, 29 states acknowledge Juneteenth with some type of observance or recognition (Juneteenth is a legal state holiday in Texas). Cities across the country, including Memphis TN, San Jose CA, and Minneapolis MN, host large festivals.Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter sponsored its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration last weekend. This Saturday, June 21, Bradley Academy Cultural Museum and Cultural Center will hold its annual Juneteenth celebration at 415 S. Academy Street. Food and craft vendor booths open at 10 a.m., with live music and entertainment from noon to 4 p.m.
Read more about the history of Juneteenth in this
Time article or in one of these books at Walker Library.
Patriotic Holidays of the United States / H. Henderson
1st floor – Reference: 394.26973 H38p
Juneteenth: A Day to Celebrate Freedom From Slavery / A. Leeper
3rd floor - Curriculum Collection: 394.263 LEEj
Juneteenth: Freedom Day / M. M. Branch
3rd floor - Curriculum Collection: 394.263 BRA
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