Juneteenth: These are the Facts

Juneteenth (a blend of the words June and nineteenth) is regarded as the oldest African American holiday dating all the way back to 1865. We’re honoring that today by dropping some of the most important Juneteenth facts. (Read more)  

The issue of slavery had divided the United States for decades leading up to the Civil War. This only increased when in September of 1862, Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all enslaved people in states or areas of “rebellion against the United States” would be freed. 

However, the proclamation didn’t instantly free all enslaved people as there was no way to forcibly implement the new law. As the war continued and Union Troops made their way through the South, they brought the news of freedom with them as well as the power to enforce the order with their military presence. 

The proclamation gained momentum as more and more enslaved people were freed and joined the forces to fight as United States Colored Troops as the war continued. 

Finally, on June 19th, 1865, US Brigadier General Gordon Granger and his troops landed at Galveston, Texas bringing with them the news that war had ended and that all enslaved African Americans were now free. 

We celebrate Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day) as it reminds us that nobody is free until everybody is free. So enjoy your FREE shipping storewide through 6/20 when you use the discount code FREEATLAST at checkout.

"You can't separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom." - Malcolm X

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.