For those whose ancestors were enslaved for centuries in America, Juneteenth holds special significance as the country is set to celebrate when Black people still slaving in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865.
The announcement of freedom from enslavement came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln when he abolished slavery. Subsequently, two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia, a Union general named Major General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas to tell the remaining enslaved the Civil War had ended and they were freed over two years since the Emancipation Proclamation became effective.
“Juneteenth, is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S.,” said National Juneteenth Arizona State Director Lanette Campbell, who arranges the annual Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration traditionally held at Eastlake Park, 1549 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. “It’s very important that future generations know about and celebrate Juneteenth just as July 4 is celebrated.”
