It’s fun to imagine the surprise and excitement our grandparents’ grandparents experienced when they heard the news that slavery was over! The day that announcement was first delivered to former slaves is what we celebrate on June19th also called Juneteenth. Here are some of the facts:
- Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, the order was ignored for two and a half years in the south while the Civil War was being fought. Juneteenth celebrates the first announcement when many blacks heard for the first time they had been freed.
- More than 200 cities across the nation celebrate Juneteenth in some way, from all day festivals to week long events.
- Barbecue and strawberry soda have become associated with Juneteenth celebrations around the country.
- A modern-day movement has been launched to urge more people to recognize the importance of the day and its role in American history and culture.
Feel free to give us the Juneteenth story passed down in your family or your Juneteenth celebration idea in the comment section below . Listen to Praise 107.9 to hear more Junteenth fun facts.