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CELEBRATE
SAFELY
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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.
General Order Number 3
One of
General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the
people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most
significantly with:
"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."
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Thursday, June 18, 2020
