Juneteenth 2018

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was declared in 1863, all slaves were not freed until June 19th, 1865 aka “Juneteenth”.

Because of this, the decedents of the slaves celebrate June 19th with the name Juneteenth. The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in rebelling states but not border states like Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, and Kentucky. Galveston, Texas was one of the last states to officially be emancipated.

Although the Civil War ended in 1865, a number of people remained enslaved. even though slavery was officially over the word of slavery’s end traveled slowly especially slaves who lived in areas with Union armies. The slaves continued to live life as if freedom did not exist.

There are several theories as to why the news was never received like the messenger being murdered or that the news was deliberately withheld so that slaveholders could continue to get free labor.

It is important to remember the truth of our history and remembrance of the slaves that built this country.