At midnight on January 1, 1863, enslaved African Americans in Confederate states awaited the news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Union soldiers marched through cities and onto plantations across the south to read the Emancipation Proclamation, thus signifying freedom for enslaved Americans.
However, not everyone in Confederate territory would gain their freedom that night.
In fact, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, nearly two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years following the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation that enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas were notified of their freedom and the end of the war by Union troops.
This day, known as Juneteenth, is recognized as the official end of slavery in the United States. Although Juneteenth did not become a federal holiday until 2021, it has been observed as a state holiday in Texas since 1980 and celebrated by Black communities throughout the country for generations.
In December of 2022, Sandy Springs city leaders voted to add Juneteenth to the city’s list of paid holidays beginning in 2023. Tomorrow, June 19th, Sandy Springs will hold its third annual Juneteenth celebration.
Today, Juneteenth is a time for rejoicing, education and self-reflection. People of all races, nationalities and religions come together on Juneteenth to hold gatherings that commemorate this significant moment in history, celebrate Black culture and hold necessary conversations about how we can continue to create a more equitable society for all.
At Sandy Springs Together, we are excited to celebrate Juneteenth and continue doing our part to build a brighter future for everyone in our community.
