Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, is an important day in American history. Celebrations of this holiday began in Galveston, Texas, but are now celebrated all across the country and internationally. What is the history of Juneteenth?
July 4, 1776 is historically the United States Independence Day, but many Americans were not free at that point in history. While this day marks the United States’ break from the control of England, African Americans remained in slavery for nearly another century. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and yet many Americans still were not free. At this point, the emancipation proclamation could not be enforced in areas that were under Confederate control. Since Texas was the furthest southwest state, it became even more of a hotspot for slavery, and also the last state where the emancipation proclamation was able to be enforced.
2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation, on June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger led Union troops into Galveston, Texas and announced the liberation of the 250,000 enslaved people living in Texas. Although some enslaved people were still not immediately freed, this day was remembered as the Independence Day of enslaved people in Texas. Thus, June 19th became a historic day as the day which marked freedom for all people.
On December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was signed into law. It stated, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” With this, slavery was formally abolished in the United States. On June 19, 1866, freedmen in Texas began the first celebration of Juneteenth, also called Jubilee Day, and celebrations would continue annually for decades to come. Not everyone celebrates Juneteenth the same way, but many celebrations include music, barbeque, prayer, and other activities.
Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1979. From there, other states began to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. It was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. It continues to be celebrated by Americans across the country and is also celebrated internationally.
-Mattigan Burleigh '24
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Jun 19, 2023After ministering in local churches for nearly 20 years, Geneva College alumnus Kent Chevalier '99 accepted a unique ministry position as the chaplain for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers through the Athletes in Action organization. Chevalier and wife Erica support the players and their families during the season and raise their own support in the off season.
When you’re starting college, you might not know what you want to focus on yet. That is completely normal and much more common than you might think. So, yes, you can start college as an undeclared major and many schools encourage this time of exploration. Geneva College even has a dedicated program for students with undeclared majors to help them identify God’s calling in their lives and careers.
As I walked the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering), I was walking the very path of Christ from Palm Sunday to the crucifixion. As I stood in the remains of Jericho, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in delivering the city into the hands of the Israelites. As I scooped water from the Jordan River, I was reminded that Christ is the living water. It was indeed the trip of a lifetime and my faith will forever be changed because of it.
Each February, the U.S. recognizes the importance of African Americans throughout our country’s history with Black History Month. This month provides us with a time to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of African American heroes and learn more about their impact on our nation. As part of this month-long celebration, find out more about some of the most important historical figures who have played an important role in U.S. history.
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