Sec. 9, Emancipation Proclamation, Signed August 16, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln
Truly one of the greatest days in the history of our great union. A day when the dreams and prayers of a people were realized and the wounds of nation's original sin began the long process of healing and restoration. God bless the memory of the events that caused this day to be remembered...and the collective hope that all of America's children carry of mutual respect, beautiful diversity and collective strength.
For those who will inevitably come in and missed the details here's a basic recap:
Origins of Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, the Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Tex., to inform inhabitants of the Civil War's end two months earlier. Two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Granger's General Order Number 3 finally freed the last 250,000 slaves whose bondage, due to the minimal Union presence in the region, had been essentially unaffected by Lincoln's efforts. June 19th—which was quickly shortened to "Juneteenth" among celebrants—has become the African-American addendum to our national Independence Day, for, as Juneteenth jubilees remind us, the Emancipation Proclamation did not bring about emancipation, and the prevailing portrayal of Independence Day ignores the ignominious incidence of slavery entirely.
Juneteenth Today
The state of Texas made Juneteenth an official holiday on Jan. 1, 1980, and became the first to grant it government recognition. 28 states have since issued proclamations recognizing the holiday, but the Lone Star State remains alone in granting it full state holiday status, a day when government employees have the day off. Nonetheless, supporters and celebrants of Juneteenth continue to grow in number and in diversity; today, Juneteenth is promoted not only as a commemoration of African-American freedom, but as an example and encouragement of self-development and respect for all cultures.
Letter from the sitting President
June 12, 2006
I send greetings to all those observing Juneteenth.
President Lincoln called the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 the "central act" of his administration and "the greatest event of the nineteenth century." The joyous news of freedom did not reach Galveston, Texas, until two and a half years after emancipation when Major General Gordon Granger arrived and announced that the Civil War was over and all slaves were free. Ever since, Americans have marked June 19th with special celebrations and traditions commemorating this historic moment.
On this day, we honor the vision of President Lincoln, and we will keep striving to build a Nation where the dignity of every person is respected, where people are judged by the content of their character, and where the hope of the American dream reaches every neighborhood and every citizen. Together, we can continue to advance the ideals of liberty and justice that make our country strong and help more Americans realize the full promise of this great Nation.
Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
GEORGE W. BUSH
And so in the spirit of Juneteenth National Freedom Day, let us take a moment to reflect upon the continued progress towards a more equal, tolerant and subsequently powerful union. Let us all enjoy and celebreate each other and our differences even more. We're all living the dream of many who came before us, and we're moving in the right direction.
I'd also like to drop off these songs, which capture the spirit of the day...and from which any and everyone should be able to gleam some encouragement.
S. of B. - Optimistic
B.M.U. - U Will Know (Feat. Aaron Hall, After 7, Al B. Sure, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, D'Angelo, Damion Hall, El DeBarge, Gerald LeVert, H-Town, Joe, Keith Sweat, Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, Portrait, R. Kelly, Silk, Usher, Tony! Toni! Tone!, and more)
Fred Hammond - A Song of Strength
S. of B. - Hold On (Change Is Comin')
Joann Rosario - And We Overcome
Black National Hymn - Lift Every Voice & Sing
(Created to honor President Lincoln andd demonstrate patriotism and hope for the future)
Good web sources for more info:1 | 2 | 3 | 4
HAPPY JUNETEENTH!
*raises champagne flute*
Check to see what events are happening in your area today and this weekend if you want to participate. And yes, everyone is always welcome. Duh.
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