JUNETEENTH -- Now That We Are Free … What Are We Going To Do?

During the 1800s, communication over vast areas was minimal and extremely slow. There were no telephones, telegraphs, radios, or televisions – these items had not been invented. Everyone could not read or write (especially slaves). The majority of communications were relayed through word-of-mouth. News of great importance had to carried or verified by individuals who were trustworthy or had some authority.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which freed all slaves located in the rebellious states. Due to the lack of the ability to quickly transmit vitally important information over vast distances, coupled with a strong resistance of many white Southerners to receive, accept, or just a blatant refusal to obey this revealing news – caused many rural or isolated areas within the United States to be delayed in hearing this proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation had little or no effect on Texans because of its remote location and the minimal number of Union troops used to enforce this new Executive order. Galveston, Texas was a far southwestern, predominately-rural area which was controlled by the Confederacy. June 19, 1965, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, Union troops – led by Major General Gordon Granger – arrived in Galveston. The Union troops were strong enough to overcome and influence all resistance. General Granger informed the residents of the proclamation and pronounced, under General Order Number 3, that all slaves were free. Slaves were immediately given rights and rights of property. Reactions to this insightful and heart-lifting news range pure shock to extreme jubilation.
Slaves and the nation now faced a new and more difficult problem. “Now that we are free… what are we going to do? Uneducated -- with no money and no property, how are we going to survive? What is freedom? Slavery is the only life we know, what else can we do?” These questions and many more were pondered by the slaves. More importantly, now that the Civil War was over, these questions were also pondered by government officials and their answers would continue to haunt this country for decades.
Many slaves remained in Texas and established employer/employee relationships with their former slave owners. Other slaves immediately left Texas fearing a withdrawal of this offer. These fleeing slaves migrated into neighboring states such as Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, while others headed up North because it represented an illusion of true freedom. June 19, 1865 was celebrated as freedom day for slaves.
The lack of African American history and culture taught in public school systems are attributed to the decline of June 19th celebrations throughout most of the North There has, however, been a resurgence of celebrations for this reverent day. There is a growing and healthy interest from many communities and organizations throughout the country.
Today, June 19th or Juneteenth – as it has been coined – represents a day of recounting memories of the emancipated slave. It is celebrated as a time for reassuring one another; for praying and giving thanks; and for gathering with the remaining or distant family members. Music, ethnic food, games, picnics, and dress are part of the annual festivities. Juneteenth is indeed a celebration of African American freedom and encourages self-development, ethnic-empowerment, and respect for all cultures. It has taken on greater national interest on a global perspective, so that the world knows that the events of 1865 are not forgotten. Today, however, the same questions of the slaves in 1865 are still being asked by many confused African Americans, “Now that we are free… what are we going to do?”