America Celebrates The First National Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas two months after the Civil War ended.
This was to proclaim more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were free.
President Abraham Lincoln had freed all enslaved people two and a half years earlier, with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
But Texas never fell to Union troops in battle and Black people there remained in bondage until the day now commemorated as Juneteenth.
Black Texans have marked the day each year since with parades and picnics, music and fine clothes.
Juneteenth gained momentum over the years but only last summer was it declared a national holiday.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
