Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time taken to appreciate the African American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities - as nothing is more comforting than the hand of a friend.

Juneteenth is a day on which honor and respect is paid for the sufferings of slavery. It is a day on which we acknowledge the evils of slavery and its aftermath. On Juneteenth we talk about our history and realize because of it, there will forever be a bond between us.

On Juneteenth we think about that moment in time when the enslaved in Galveston, Texas received word of their freedom. We imagine the depth of their emotions, their jubilant dance and their fear of the unknown.

Juneteenth is a day that we commit to each other the needed support as family, friends and co-workers. It is a day we build coalitions that enhance African American economics.

On Juneteenth we come together young and old to listen, to learn and to refresh the drive to achieve. It is a day where we all take one step closer together - to better utilize the energy wasted on racism. Juneteenth is a day that we pray for peace and liberty for all.

Juneteenth Education Project (Community Service)

The Background: Each Year February is “THE” month each year where all major news organizations, schools and civic institutions present displays on Black History. For the rest of the year much of African American History is ignored. An important event occurred on June 19, 1865. Major General Gordon Granger read General Order Number 3 to the citizens of Galveston, Texas. This order informed “the people of Texas…. All slaves are free.” This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official. The site for this information is: http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm The History of The Emancipation Proclamation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Proclamation Many supporters may never have read the Emancipation Proclamation, nor know of General Order Number 3. The Event: On June 19th read the Emancipation Proclamation; then read General Order Number 3. The web sites are listed above. Please give thought to the fact slaves in Texas had to wait two and a half extra years. During the week following June 19th, each day educate one person EACH day about June 19th. This is a community service education event. It takes the extra effort to educate OTHERS to complete this event.