Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which stated ” all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are and henceforward shall be free.” This signified that no American had to suffer the burden of being anyone’s property ever again. Soon to be formerly enslaved, thousands eagerly waited and watched for the arrival of midnight which would render them free and thus the tradition known as Watch Night was born.
Today most African-Americans use Watch Night, not only as a time to celebrate their freedom, but to welcome in new opportunities, new challenges and a new life.
However, contrary to popular belief, the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation was not what freed all of the slaves. Word that slaves were free didn’t reach Galveston, Texas plantations until June 19th, 1865 via Major General Gordon Granger. The reason being that the Civil War was still in effect and Texas slave owners wanted another land Harvest and were willing to place the lives of these people on hold for their own financial gain for two-and-a-half years.
Upon learning of their newly granted freedom, many rejoiced and celebrated while others left the plantation before their freedom could be stripped away from them.
Today people commemorate this date, known as Juneteenth by hosting BBQs, baseball games, drinking strawberry soda, enjoying fireworks and more. Regardless of how you celebrate this holiday it is important to remember the significance of it and understand that “No one is free until we are all free,” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy Juneteenth from Sojourners Digest!
-Sojourner Chief
