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Ask even your most detailed of history buffs what “Juneteenth” is and they will probably look at you like you have hardtack on your face. The name is funny-sounding enough, and the actual day is pretty vague to a lot of people — even though it’s very significant in American history, and especially African-American history.
After President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House at the end of the Civil War there was a lag time before the good news spread southward (especially since defeated confederates were in no hurry to give up the free labor they’d built their riches on). As huge of an impact as the War made on our nation, the fighting was only limited to certain regions, and because no one was Googling or live-streaming anything back then, spreading the word took a while (again, a lot of people were invested in slowing it down).
Thus, while the Emancipation Proclamation officially freed the slaves January 1, 1863, slaves in bondage in the South didn’t get the good news until June 19, 1865 (hence the portmanteau “Juneteenth”) when Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his soldiers landed in Galveston, TX to spread the word that slavery had officially ended in America. That means that for two whole years and some change, Southern slaves were still in bondage only in name — because legally, they were free.
Stefanie Herweck stands with other protesters in front of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Rio Grande Valley Sector's Centralized Processing Center. (Photo: Joel Martinez, AP)
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Let freedom ring! Today is Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, will be marked in many communities on Tuesday. (Others celebrated over the weekend.) The holiday originated on June 19, 1865, when Union Army Major Gen. Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas, to inform a reluctant community that President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier had freed the slaves. The name Juneteenth is a merging of "June" and "nineteenth." Events include parades, picnics and celebrations of African-American heritage.
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Contributing: Associated Press
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Daniel Jacob Goodwin (left), a member of Ina Onilu Dance and Drum Ensemble, dances during the 2016 Juneteenth Day Parade. (Photo: Sam Caravana)
A day without violence.
That's all that police and event organizers ask the public ahead of Milwaukee's annual Juneteenth Day celebration Tuesday.
"It's our day of unity, our day of fellowship," Mack Weddle, president of the Juneteenth Day celebration and executive director of Northcott Neighborhood House, said at a news conference Monday. "Let's go 24 hours without any gun violence whatsoever."
Juneteenth Day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people of African descent in the United States. This year marks the 47th year that Milwaukee has celebrated the day with a parade and street festival.
In years past, the celebration has seen elevated arrests and riots. In 2012, the Milwaukee Police Department made 54 arrests during the festival.
Although in recent years the amount of arrests and violence has steadily decreased, Weddle said it's important to remember the purpose of the event — celebrating community.
ARCHIVES: 54 arrested at Juneteenth Day celebration
"Let's respect the law and let's all get together and celebrate," Weddle said, noting it's his 43rd year involved with the festival, and first serving as the event's grand marshal. "This is a great city, and it's getting even better, especially if we all work together."
Buy Photo Devin Davis, center, president of WestCare Wisconsin Youth Action Council, hugs Tyla Sleight, left, and Annisa Nash, both of Milwaukee, during the 2017 Juneteenth Day celebration in Milwaukee. (Photo: Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
District 5 Capt. Boris Turcinovic said he worked as a lieutenant at the event five years ago. This year, he returns as captain.
"I'm excited to have another successful Juneteenth," Turcinovic said. "Let's use this festival to have a very safe, non-violent day."
The event runs along King Drive from noon to 6 p.m., and includes a parade, street vendors, entertainment, informational booths and a mobile law firm that offers free legal advice to those who need.
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Today is Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, which commemorates the emancipation from slavery in the United States. In honor of the day, and the critical turning point it represents, we rounded up six facts:
