The description of Juneteenth isn't quite correct. The Thirteenth Amendment's abolition of slavery had been in effect since 1863. However, several confederate states chose not to free its slaves. It took some time and persuasion to see the confederate states begin releasing thier slaves. The very last state to do so was Texas. Juneteenth was made a holiday to commemorate the day when more than 2000 Union soldiers arrived in Texas to force slave owners to free their slaves. (June 19, 1865). Essentially, Texas needed some help with accountability. The Union soldiers were there to ensure the law was being recognized by all. The holiday got its name from the Texan citizens of color who had already been freed from slavery, held captive by their former owners, and finally released two years after being declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday just recently became a federal holiday but has been celebrated by black Americans since 1865. We celebrate this holiday to remind ourselves of our resilience and will to fight against oppression and injustice in this country. This day marks the first of many milestones on the journey toward freedom and equality for our previously enslaved ancestors and all of us carrying the torch today. Still, I appreciate KENS5 for taking the time to talk about such a special day for us! Thank you so much!
