From the Email InBox: A question

Gramps:

I have a friend who is an African American, and he invited me to a Juneteenth Party last weekend. I had a great time, but what is Juneteenth. I didn't want to let on that I didn't know.

Gramps Answers:

First of all the internet is a great place just a search would have answered you question. BUT, I am glad you went to the party, and that you asked the question. Here is the short answer.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union Army officer Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston. The reading came two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years after the document took effect. More than 200,000 Texas slaves were free.

Juneteenth has also been used as an alternative spring break dates so that College Breaks remained segregated in resort towns in the South East.

California, has a more liberal history than much of the nation, and we don't learn of these events often. HOWEVER. Juneteenth is beginning to take on a broader meaning of the elimination of all forms of Prejudice, and Oppression of Individuals. A Unity/Freedom/Civil Rights Days, all in one. To recall the errors of slavery, prejudice, and celebrate our collective distinctive cultures, and unique unity over a period of days in the teenths of June is indeed a worthy activity regardless of your heritage or social circumstance.