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Juneteenth Elevator Display

Display about Juneteenth, the holiday marking June 18th when the Emancipation Proclamation was announced in Texas back in 1865.

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth occurs on June 19th and marks the day that the abolition of slavery was announced in Texas in 1865.
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862 and was set to go into effect on January 1, 1863. Much of Texas however did not respect the law and continued with the practices. On June 18th, 1865 Union general Gordon Granger and 2000 troops marched into Galveston to take control and enforce the emancipation of the slaves. Then on June 19th General Granger announced the General Order No. 3
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”
Shortly after the newly freed slaves began to celebrate. The day became known as Juneteenth and is now celebrated in 37 states. In 1980 it was declared as a holiday in the state of Texas.

Denton Events:

Friday June 17th

Gospel Extravaganza
6PM
@ Fred Moore Park

Saturday June 18th
Juneteenth Grand Parade
9AM
@ Civic Center

Softball Tournament
9AM
@ Fred Moore Park

Juneteenth Celebration
10AM
@ Fred Moore Park

www.dentonjuneteenth.org