Juneteenth: The Story They Didn’t Teach Us in School
Let me break it down for you—Juneteenth is one of those holidays that should have been front and center in history class, but for some reason, it got pushed to the back of the shelf. But now? We’re dusting it off, putting it on the calendar, and giving it the recognition it deserves.
So, what is Juneteenth?
It goes all the way back to June 19, 1865. Now, you might be thinking, “Wasn’t slavery abolished with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863?” And yes, technically it was. President Abraham Lincoln signed that historic document on January 1, 1863, declaring all enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. But here's the thing—just because something's written on paper doesn’t mean it’s followed right away.
News traveled slow back then—especially when people didn’t want it to get out. And let’s be real: some slaveholders in the South weren’t in a hurry to tell the folks working their land that they were free. So, for over two years, many enslaved people didn’t even know the war was over, let alone that they were no longer property.
Enter General Gordon Granger.
He arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, with Union troops and issued General Order No. 3. That order basically said, “Y’all are free.” And just like that, the last major group of enslaved African Americans got the news that should’ve been theirs years ago.
That day—June 19th—became known as Juneteenth. It's a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” and it marks freedom delayed but not denied.
Now, ever since then, Black communities have honored the day. It’s been a time for celebration, reflection, cookouts, music, family reunions, and remembering those who came before us. It’s about recognizing both the pain of slavery and the beauty of resilience.
But here’s the part that gets me—it wasn’t until 2021 that Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17, 2021, after generations of Black Americans had already been celebrating it on their own. Long overdue, if you ask me.
Making it a national holiday didn’t just put it on the calendar—it sent a message. It said, “We see you. We hear you. We acknowledge the past.” And while a holiday doesn’t erase centuries of injustice, it’s a start toward awareness and healing.
So when Juneteenth rolls around, don’t treat it like just another day off work. Know the history. Share the story. Celebrate freedom—and remember how long the journey to it really was.
That’s what Juneteenth is about. Not just the end of slavery—but the strength, endurance, and spirit of a people who never stopped believing they were born to be free.
Happy Juneteenth!!
Larry
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Recent Comments
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Appreciate the history lesson here Larry... we certainly learn something new each and every day, and I wouldn't have it any different my friend!
Enjoy a wonderful weekend! :-)
I wasn't aware of Juneteenth until I read your post Larry.
Thanks for enlightening me and Happy Juneteenth.
Rick
Thank you, Larry. I've learned something new. I didn't even know there was a holiday called Juneteenth.
Isabella
Hi Larry, I teach English as a second language (ESL) at an adult school. My students are immigrants from around the world. We have no class today because, as you know, it's a holiday.
Yesterday, I devoted the entire class period in my morning and night classes to the topic of Juneteenth. Most of them had no idea what it is or why today is a holiday. Now they know. Some of them were aghast to learn that slavery was once legal in our country.
Happy Juneteenth.
Its is a shame that a lot of young people do not know the full history of this country, and with the banning of books and all of the other stuff going on, a lot will never know..
That's not an accident. Many are too ashamed to face our shameful past. I'm not one of those.
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Hi Larry, you're right. Juneteenth should have been front and center all along. I've been in an interracial relationship with a black woman for the last five + years. I gotta be honest, she's the one who taught me about it.
As a teacher, who used to teach social studies, I never knew the story of Juneteenth until I met her.
I remember as a kid, I had a friend whose birthday is June 19th. He used to always say his birthday is Juneteenth. I had no idea what he meant. I get it now.
I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I'm so late to learn but as the saying goes, better late than never.
I doubt I need to tell you there are people who don't think it should be a holiday at all. I'll leave that statement right there for now.
Having said that, I currently teach English as a second language (ESL) to adults. I try to always teach not only the language but as much history and culture that surrounds the language as possible. So, on June 18th, I devoted the entire class period to why the next day was to be a holiday. Very few of my international students had any idea. Now, they at least have a clue. If you'd like to see the lesson plan, I'll send it to you.
According to my Sweetie, there's uncertainty about the actual date of Juneteenth. She says it was June something in the teens which is why it's called Juneteenth. I can't dispute or confirm that. What do you think?
Anyway, thanks for the post.
Bob
PS: I realized right after sending what I just wrote that I responded already on Juneteenth. They say the first thing to go is the memory. I have no recollection of writing what I wrote below. Yikes! I was shocked to see it. Oh well.