Explanation

The Emancipation Proclamation outlawing slavery was issued in 1863, however, it only freed slaves in the Confederate States. It took two and a half years, until June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas read the General Order announcing that the Civil War was over and slavery had been abolished.  The General Order Number 3 read: “The people of Texas are informed that . . . all slaves are free. . . .”

June 19th, known as Juneteenth, celebrates the end of slavery and is a symbolic date of freedom for African Americans. Often referred to as this country’s Second Independence Day, Juneteenth is observed as a state holiday in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Thirty-two additional states recognize Juneteenth through community service and celebration, many of which are considering making Juneteenth a state holiday. The annual celebration of Juneteenth is a time of reflection, learning, self-assessment, and healing. The recent passage of The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act made Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Today, the celebration of Juneteenth has deep and lasting meaning for the Black community as we continue to fight for justice and freedom. We have witnessed a rise in racist and oppressive actions and behaviors that directly conflict with our beliefs and values as Christians. There is a misconception that slavery no longer exists in this nation and that everyone enjoys freedom. However, “More than 400,000 people could be living in ‘modern slavery’ in the US, a condition of servitude broadly defined in a new study as forced and state-imposed labor,

sexual servitude and forced marriage.” The majority of those who live in “modern slavery” today are people of color, predominately Black and Brown folks.

It is vital as Episcopalians that we join together in unity to be ever vigilant in fighting for the precious meaning of freedom of all people by celebrating Juneteenth as a Feast Day.