Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is
itself the highest political end.
Lord Acton, Lecture,
February 26, 1877
If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee an equally full measure of liberty to all
your neighbors. There is no other.
Carl Schurz (1829 - 1906)
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Freedom from Slavery, Citizenship for All
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The Juneteenth in Nashville, Tennessee, website began June 2007 to promote awareness and celebration of this important holiday in the history of our great nation.
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This announcement came two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. The celebration of June 19th became "Juneteenth" and observance has grown beyond the borders of Texas, extended across the United States, and traveled to other countries.
This new Juneteenth website seeks also to advocate family and community togetherness and encourage informed and active United States citizenship.
How do we celebrate Juneteenth?
We encourage family and communty activities - and there are many ways to celebrate this holiday. One is by increasing awareness - tell your coworkers and family about this holiday and why it is important. Reading up on the history of the day is one way to learn about previous celebrations and their reason for being. Juneteenth celebrations are festive! This is a day of freedom, of cultural inclusiveness and striving to be the best we can be, as individuals, and as citizens of the United States of America. |
Time line:
April 12, 1861 -
The Civil War begins in South Carolina, the first state to secede the
United States of America.
September 22, 1862 -
President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclaimation, stating that all slave held by Confederate states were now free.
June 19, 1865 -
Union soldiers arrive in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all Slaves in that state, as stated in the Emanicpation Proclaimation.
December 18, 1865 -
13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery is ratified by
27 of the existing 36 states, making it an official part of the Constitution
of the United States of America.
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