ABOUT JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth is the celebratory anniversary of the date, June 19, 1865, on which enslaved men, women and children in Galveston, TX learned the Civil War had ended and they were free. (Note: This was 2½ years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official January 1, 1863.
Upon hearing the good news, they celebrated in jubilation with song, dance and food. Since that time, the enslaved descendants throughout the United States have carried on the celebratory tradition. Every year, the Tracy African American Association observes and celebrates this holiday at the community Juneteenth Festival.
