Juneteenth
http://www.juneteenth.com/
June 19
Originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865
Juneteenth is celebrated in over 150 cities in 30 states in the U.S.
Presidential Message on Juneteenth [2005] (as taken from www.juneteenth.com)
I send greetings to all Americans celebrating Juneteenth.
Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, bringing the news that the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation, signed over 2 years earlier, had declared all slaves to be free persons. This historic day is celebrated to remember the end of slavery. Emancipation demonstrated our country's belief in liberty and equality for every citizen, and was a profound recognition that each and every American has rights, dignity, and matchless value.
One hundred forty years later, the Juneteenth observance continues to remind us of our country's founding principles of liberty and justice for all. As we mark the anniversary of the end of servitude, we also recognize the many contributions of African Americans to our culture. African Americans have helped shape our country's character, enhanced the diversity that makes America strong, and contributed to the vitality, success, and prosperity of our Nation. Juneteenth is a day that stands for the dignity and equality of all citizens, regardless of race, so that all may share the blessings of freedom that America provides.
Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Washington D.C.
http://www.dcemancipation.org/welcome.html
April 13 was celebrated for many years
April 13 through April 16 2005
Phoenix, Arizona
http://www.azcentral.com/culturesaz/afroam/afroholiday.html
Arizona celebrated Juneteenth on February 3 through February 5 2005
Temperatures too hot in summer to celebrate Juneteenth
College scholarships are given out
Richmond, Virgina
Richmond had large Emancipation Day celebrations
This picture was taken at their Emancipation Day celebration on April 3, 1905
Other Countries Celebrate Juneteenth
Accra, Ghana -- June 19, 2005
Yigo, Guam -- June 18, 2005
Lod, Israel -- June 11, 2005
Yokota Ab, Japan -- June 18, 2005
Dinsley, Tacarigua -- July 29 through Aug. 1, 2005
Taipei City, Taiwan -- June 19, 2004
Soto Cano Ab, Honduras -- held first Juneteenth June 16, 2001
NSA La Maddalena in Italy held first Juneteenth celebration June 17, 2000
Trinidad and Tobaga
Slaves in British Empire were emancipated on August 1, 1834
Emancipation Day is celebrated on August 1
Puerto Rico
Celebrated on March 22, 2005
Puerto Rico's slaves were emancipated in 1873 from various locations
Jamaica
Celebrated August 1
Emancipation Act took place on August 1, 1834
All slave children six or younger were free
All adults served as apprentices for their masters until August 1, 1838
Other Countries' Emancipation Days
May
09 Liberation Day in Czechoslovakia
May 25 African Freedom Day in Zimbabwe
May 25 African Liberation Day in Chad, Mauritania, Zambia
June
04 Emancipation Day in Tonga
05 Liberation Day in Seychelles
July
13 National Liberation Day in Togo
August
01 Emancipation Day in Granada
01 Freedom Day in Guyana
04 Freedom Day in Guyana
06 Emancipation Day in Bahamas
23 Liberation Days (2 days) in Romania
27 Liberation Day in Hong Kong