On this day in 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, those who found themselves still enslaved in Galveston, Texas had their hopes realized and their prayers answered. Contrary to what others had told them, the rumors they had heard were indeed true. The Civil War had ended, and they were now free.General Gordon Granger issued the call with "General Order No. 3" saying "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. " June 19, or Juneteenth, is now observed in 31 states. Nearly a century and a half later, the descendants of slaves and slave owners can commemorate the day together and celebrate the rights and freedoms we all share in this great nation that we all love.This moment also serves as a time for reflection and appreciation, and an opportunity for many people to trace their family’s lineage. African Americans helped to build our nation brick by brick and have contributed to her growth in every way, even when rights and liberties were denied to them. In light of the historic unanimous vote in the United States Senate this week supporting the call for an apology for slavery and segregation, the occasion carries even more significance.
Jordan/Rustin Coalition is holding its 2nd Annual Juneteenth Awards and LGBT Pride Celebration tomorrow. Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass and In The Meantime Men's Group Executive Dorector Jeffrey King are being honored.
Hat/tip to Karen Ocamb and TransGriot
2 comments:
should be a fun day
I hate to sound like an ingrate, but "an apology is not an apology, if it's not an apology." The same impetus and energy that allowed slavery to thrive, still exists today. Unless racism and prejudice get their comeuppance, apologies are nothing more than words. Don't apologize if you do not intend to change the behaviour that led to the apology in the first place. I'm just saying, lol!
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