Sweet Blackberry Celbrates JUneteenth

In recent times many strides have been made to uncover the African American history and culture that we once thought was lost. For this post, Sweet Blackberry is honored to celebrate the recently made national holiday Juneteenth. However, this holiday should not be thought of as solely for Black Americans but for all Americans. For we know that African American history is American history. 

Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. It is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. The holiday originated in Texas, but is now celebrated throughout the United States annually on June 19. In 2021 under the Biden administration, Juneteenth became a nationally recognized; a result of the protest surrounding George Floyd’s death and the racial reckoning movement of 2020-2021. Juneteenth commemorates the day when Union army general Gordon Granger “announced federal orders in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, proclaiming that all slaves in Texas were free.” In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln had already passed the Emancipation Proclamation that officially outlawed slavery in states in rebellion against the Union. 

Learn about the holiday and get resources for classrooms and families by clicking the article below:
Juneteenth History: An Independence Day for African Americans