Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. Here's the history behind the holiday, and why it still resonates today.
Several dates could mark the end of slavery. So why Juneteenth, rather than January 1, 1863, when Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation took effect, or January 31, 1865, when Congress passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery nationwide? The answer is in the moment itself. When enslaved people in Texas heard Granger's words, including the promise of "absolute equality," the news erupted into jubilant celebration. More than any other date, that day carries a sense of hope and freedom for Black Americans.
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