Fun facts about Juneteenth

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Juneteenth
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Did you know? Many people mistakenly believe that June 19, 1865, was the exact day slavery ended across the entire United States, but it was actually only the day that federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the freedom of enslaved people in that specific state.

Fact 1 of 30

30 facts about Juneteenth

  1. 1
    The Juneteenth flag features a star that represents both Texas as the Lone Star State and the freedom of African Americans across all fifty states.
  2. 2
    At some historic community gatherings, the festivities were so exciting and high-energy that the town would basically declare a temporary vacation, with almost no one going to work for the entire day.
  3. 3
    People often mistakenly believe Juneteenth marks the end of all slavery in the U.S., but it actually only applied to those in Texas, as slavery remained legal in states like Delaware and Kentucky until the end of that same year.
  4. 4
    During early celebrations, attendees would sometimes dress in their absolute finest clothes to represent their newfound status as free citizens, even if they had to walk miles in the heat to get there.
  5. 5
    In the late 1800s, some freedmen pooled their money together to purchase land specifically for Juneteenth celebrations because they were often barred from using public parks.
  6. 6
    Some historical Juneteenth celebrations lasted for several days or even weeks because people traveled such long distances to reunite with family.
  7. 7
    In Galveston, the site of the original announcement is marked by a mural called Absolute Equality.
  8. 8
    Enslaved people in Texas were often kept in the dark about their status because many slaveholders moved there from other states to avoid Union interference.
  9. 9
    Juneteenth is often celebrated with the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing, which is known as the Black National Anthem.
  10. 10
    Many people incorrectly believe that Juneteenth is the same thing as the Fourth of July, but they celebrate two very different types of independence.
  11. 11
    The date is written as June 19, but it sounds much more rhythmic when you say Juneteenth.
  12. 12
    In some historical celebrations, participants would compete in games of baseball or even horse racing to showcase their new physical freedom.
  13. 13
    One of the oldest Juneteenth traditions involves holding a prayer service to give thanks for liberation.
  14. 14
    Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States in 2021.
  15. 15
    It is a common misconception that all enslaved people were unaware of their freedom until General Granger arrived; many knew but had no way to enforce their liberty without federal protection.
  16. 16
    The colors of the Juneteenth flag—red, white, and blue—were chosen to show that formerly enslaved people were Americans.
  17. 17
    Some families used to pack up their belongings to visit their birthplaces or look for separated relatives on June 19th.
  18. 18
    Early Juneteenth celebrations often featured barbecued meat, which was a luxury food item for those who had been enslaved.
  19. 19
    Many people assume that everyone was instantly freed the moment the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, but local enforcement was inconsistent for years.
  20. 20
    While we call it Juneteenth, some people have historically referred to the celebration as the Jubilee Day.
  21. 21
    If you look at the Juneteenth flag, the star represents Texas, but it also symbolizes the freedom of enslaved people across all 50 states.
  22. 22
    It took more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation for the news to reach the people in Galveston, Texas.
  23. 23
    Texas was the first state to declare Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980.
  24. 24
    Red soda water, such as strawberry soda, is a classic Juneteenth drink choice meant to represent the resilience and blood of ancestors.
  25. 25
    Some early celebrations involved riding horses, which were traditionally forbidden for enslaved people to own or ride.
  26. 26
    Many people mistakenly think June 19th was the date slavery ended in all Confederate states, but it was really just the final region of the Confederacy to be reached by federal authority.
  27. 27
    General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with 2,000 Union soldiers to announce the freedom of enslaved people.
  28. 28
    The holiday is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day.
  29. 29
    Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, it did not legally end slavery in the border states that remained in the Union; it took the ratification of the 13th Amendment later in 1865 to constitutionally abolish slavery nationwide.
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