“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 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. “(Image credit: Galveston.org)
The date referred to as “Juneteenth” (June 19) is believed to commemorate the earliest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It began in June of 1865 with the above federal proclamation. As far back as this announcement was, it was made over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, an Executive Order, in early 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln.
On June 19, 1865, Federal troops in Texas began to enforce President Lincoln’s Executive Order. This was beginning of freedom for approximately 250,000 enslaved Black Texans who had new legal status. The proclamation evolved in Texas to become an annual celebration
