"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 and rights of property between former masters and
slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that
between employer and free laborer." Major General Gordon Granger, Union Army
***********
Its never been that big here in Georgia, but back home in Texas Juneteenth is
the real deal: picnics, church programs, TV and radio specials, old folks
reciting the history to youngsters, parades, dances, officials giving speeches.
Even if you dont celebrate it as a holiday, its worth taking a moment to
reflect and give thanks for what that day represents. (we wont get into why my
ancestors didnt even hear they wuz free for another two years!)
The site below is very well put together. It gives detailed history, and a
really nice worldwide map of links you can click on to read about Juneteenth
activities. So eat some watermelon and fried chicken, enjoy the potato salad,
and raise a glass of Big Red in commemoration of Juneteenth!
--keith
http://www.juneteenth.com/welcome.htm
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery
in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union
soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with
news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this
was two and a half years after President Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation -
which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had
little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to
enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in
April of 1865, and the arrival of General Grangers regiment, the forces were
finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this
important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through
the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way
to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately
withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And
still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to
reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce
the Emancipation Proclamation. All or none of them could be true. For whatever
the reason, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was
statutory
.
A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which
continue in tradition today. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just
a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. Juneteenth
almost always focused on education and self improvement. Thus often guest
speakers are brought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of
the past. Prayer services were also a major part of these celebrations.
Certain foods became popular and subsequently synonymous with Juneteenth
celebrations such as strawberry soda-pop. More traditional and just as popular
was the barbecuing, through which Juneteenth participants could share in the
spirit and aromas that their ancestors - the newly emancipated African
Americans, would have experienced during their ceremonies. Hence, the barbecue
pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations.
Food was abundant because everyone prepared a special dish. Meats such as lamb,
pork and beef which not available everyday were brought on this special
occasion. A true Juneteenth celebrations left visitors well satisfied and with
enough conversation to last until the next.
Dress was also an important element in early Juneteenth customs and is often
still taken seriously, particularly by the direct descendants who can make the
connection to this tradition's roots. During slavery there were laws on the
books in many areas that prohibited or limited the dressing of the enslaved.
During the initial days of the emancipation celebrations, there are accounts of
former slaves tossing their ragged garments into the creeks and rivers to
adorn clothing taken from the plantations belonging to their former 'masters'
.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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