So What is Juneteenth? Your Questions Answered
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.
4. Words Have Immense Power
Order No. 3 opens by citing "a proclamation from the Executive of the United States," a reference to the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln, who had been assassinated two months earlier. But the order's most powerful word is "equality." The Emancipation Proclamation had freed enslaved people only in the rebelling states, hemmed in by legal provisions and exceptions. The 13th Amendment went further, abolishing slavery throughout the country. Lincoln, assassinated in April 1865, did not live to see it ratified that December. Order No. 3 spoke directly to the people of Texas, but its language of "absolute equality" set it apart.
Popular Now on Facty
Disclaimer
This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. The information on this Website is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute advice or our recommendation in any way. We attempt to ensure that the content is current and accurate but we do not guarantee its currency and accuracy. You should carry out your own research and/or seek your own advice before acting or relying on any of the information on this Website.