Today in History–June 19–TPS-Barat features Juneteenth. On this date in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, informing the slaves of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two and a half years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln. Although Juneteenth was informally celebrated each year since 1865, it wasn’t until June 3, 1979, that Texas became the first state to proclaim it an official state holiday. Today more than 40 officially recognize Juneteenth, which has become a day for African Americans to celebrate their freedom, culture, and achievements. Learn more by reviewing the resources linked to below.
Important Correspondence, Galveston (report of General Order No. 3) Dallas Herald (Dallas, Tex.), 08 July 1865
Oral history interview mentions of Juneteenth
Juneteenth historical newspaper coverage
U.S. legislation related to Juneteenth
The Juneteenth Book Festival Symposium on Black Literature & Literacy streaming webcast
Celebrating Juneteenth Library of Congress Blog June 19, 2015
Juneteenth Folklife Today June 17, 2016
Juneteenth Library of Congress Information Bulletin August, 1999
Juneteenth Celebration Local Legacy
Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day Smithsonian.com June 15, 2011
Trending: Juneteenth Library of Congress Blog June 19, 2013
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