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2.24 Freedom Days: Commemorating the Ongoing Struggle for Freedom
Freedom Days are special times set aside to remember the hard-fought journey towards emancipation in the United States. They celebrate the end of legal enslavement and the continuous fight for equal rights. These commemorations include Juneteenth and other days connected to the meaning of emancipation. By understanding the Emancipation Proclamation (1863), the Thirteenth Amendment (1865), and key moments like June Nineteenth (Juneteenth), it becomes clearer why Freedom Days remain important to African American communities.
In recent years, people across the nation have shown a growing interest in these celebrations. However, Freedom Days have long been a source of pride and reflection for African Americans, highlighting themes of resilience and unity. Knowing this history can inspire renewed commitment to justice and equality.
The Emancipation Proclamation
Definition and Significance
The Emancipation Proclamation was a wartime order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. It declared that enslaved people in the Confederate states still at war against the Union were free. This decree did not immediately free every enslaved person, since it left out certain areas under Union control, including the four border states that still allowed enslavement.
Nevertheless, the Emancipation Proclamation remains a major milestone. It shifted the focus of the Civil War to a battle against slavery. In other words, the war was no longer just about preserving the Union. It was now also about ending a system that had denied millions of people their freedom for generations.
Key Events Leading to the Proclamation
Several events led to the Emancipation Proclamation:
- Secession of Southern States: After President Lincoln’s election in 1860, many Southern states seceded from the Union to protect their slaveholding interests.
- Outbreak of the Civil War: In 1861, the Civil War began, setting the stage for the eventual declaration of emancipation.
- Public Pressure and Shifting Goals: Abolitionists and freedom advocates pressed Lincoln to use the war to free enslaved people. Their voices, along with battlefield developments, influenced Lincoln’s decision.
The Proclamation took effect in 1863, turning a resource-driven war into a moral fight against enslavement. This shift inspired many previously enslaved individuals to join the Union Army and fight for their own freedom.
Impact of the Proclamation
The Proclamation had immediate and long-term effects. First, it cut off any chance of European powers joining the South’s efforts, since many European nations opposed slavery. Second, it allowed nearly 200,000 African Americans to enlist in the Union Army and Navy. Therefore, it significantly boosted Union forces.
However, those enslaved in states that remained loyal to the Union were not freed until later. According to Learning Objective (LO) 2.24.A, legal enslavement of African Americans continued in the four border states until the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. Despite this gap, the Emancipation Proclamation laid essential groundwork for final abolition.
Impact
- The Proclamation was announced (January 1, 1863).
- Enslaved people in Confederate territories were declared free.
- Many enslaved individuals fled to Union lines, where they gained protection.
- African Americans joined the Union forces, significantly boosting their numbers.
- International opinion shifted, reducing outside support for the Confederacy.
This chain of events shows how the Proclamation changed the course of the war and the fate of enslaved African Americans in Confederate states.
The Thirteenth Amendment
Definition and Timeline
The Thirteenth Amendment is the constitutional amendment ratified on December 6, 1865, that permanently ended slavery in the United States. It came after multiple attempts by Lincoln and Congress to ensure that the legal ban on slavery would be nationwide and irreversible. As explained in Essential Knowledge (EK) 2.24.A.2, it freed four million African Americans, representing about a third of the South’s population at that time.
Permanent Abolition of Slavery
While the Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to enslaved people in Union border states, the Thirteenth Amendment removed any remaining ambiguity. It abolished slavery nationwide, except as punishment for a crime. Although this exception would lead to significant challenges in the years to come, the amendment marked a monumental step toward equal rights for African Americans.
Exemptions and Limitations
Despite its sweeping language, the Thirteenth Amendment did not apply to approximately 10,000 African Americans enslaved by Indigenous nations in Native American territory. The United States government signed treaties with these nations in 1866 to end slavery there. However, they did not provide full citizenship rights for the newly freed individuals, a limitation that showed freedom was still uneven.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Juneteenth
Origins and Meaning of Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as June Nineteenth, marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free—June 19, 1865. On that day, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order 3. This order informed Texans that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were now free. EK 2.24.B.1 explains that this was the last state of rebellion to receive official word of emancipation.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been in effect since 1863, it took time for the news to travel and be enforced. Therefore, June 19, 1865, became an iconic date for the conclusion of legal enslavement in the Lone Star State.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Traditional Juneteenth celebrations often include:
- Parades or marches with local community leaders.
- Picnics and barbecues featuring red-colored foods and drinks, symbolizing resilience.
- Music, particularly spirituals and gospel songs, echoing the joy of newfound freedom.
- Cultural performances that pay tribute to African American heritage.
The earliest Juneteenth festivities, also known as Jubilee Day, included wearing new clothes to symbolize a fresh start. Singing and dancing represented the emergence of a life free from bondage.
Evolution of Juneteenth into a Federal Holiday
Juneteenth has been commemorated for over 150 years, even though it was only recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. Many grassroots movements campaigned for national recognition, reflecting the powerful and persistent belief in honoring freedom. According to EK 2.24.B.2, Juneteenth is just one of many Freedom Days, but it has come to stand out in recent years due to growing interest in its history and cultural significance.
Modern Day Celebrations
Contemporary Juneteenth events often feature family reunions, storytelling, and public demonstrations of African American culture. For instance:
- During a Juneteenth Celebration in West Philadelphia (2019), local bands played traditional music, and community members shared family stories.
- At a Juneteenth Celebration in Louisville (2021), participants engaged in workshops about African American history and art.
- In Galveston (2021), the birthplace of Juneteenth, ceremonies included historical reenactments of General Order 3 being read.
These examples show how Juneteenth promotes awareness of African American heritage and fosters unity across diverse communities.
Broader Context of Freedom Days
Importance of Commemorating Freedom
Freedom Days go beyond just a single date. They honor the constant fight for justice and the achievements of ancestors who pursued a better life against all odds. EK 2.24.B.4 explains that these observances celebrate the African American role in ending legal enslavement, while also highlighting the continued push for full equality.
Legacy of Freedom Days
Freedom Days remind current generations that the struggle for equality did not end in 1865. Indeed, celebrating these events calls attention to ongoing efforts for civil rights, voting rights, and social justice. These commemorations encourage reflection on how far society has come and how far it still needs to go.
Local Freedom Day Commemorations
In many towns, local Freedom Day commemorations include:
- Historical tours of neighborhoods significant to African American heritage.
- Educational workshops that teach the timeline of emancipation and the Thirteenth Amendment.
- Musical festivals that feature vibrant performances of soul, gospel, and hip-hop.
Such celebrations help connect the past to the present, ensuring that the meaning of emancipation remains relevant for younger generations.
Conclusion
Freedom Days, including Juneteenth, signal more than just historical dates. They represent a testament to human resilience and the determination to fight for justice. The Emancipation Proclamation set the stage for change, while the Thirteenth Amendment permanently abolished slavery. Juneteenth, in particular, highlights the date when emancipation finally reached the last state of rebellion. Celebrating these milestones is a way of paying tribute to those who fought, sacrificed, and sought freedom—even when the odds seemed impossible.
By remembering key events like the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment, communities reflect on lessons from the past. They also acknowledge the significance of local and national celebrations like Juneteenth. Whether through parades, reenactments, or workshops, each new generation can better understand the cost of liberty and the value of unity.
Required Sources
- General Order 3, issued by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, 1865
- Photographs of Juneteenth celebrations:
- Juneteenth Celebration in West Philadelphia, 2019
- Juneteenth Celebration in Louisville, 2021
- Juneteenth Celebration in Galveston, 2021
Quick Reference Chart: Important Vocabulary and Definitions
| Vocabulary Term | Definition |
| Emancipation | The process of freeing enslaved individuals; particularly refers to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment. |
| Juneteenth | Celebrated on June 19, marking the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas in 1865; commemorates the final enforcement of freedom. |
| Thirteenth Amendment | Ratified in 1865, this constitutional amendment permanently abolished slavery in the United States, except as punishment for a crime. |
| Freedom Day | Broadly, any celebration in African American communities commemorating the end of legal enslavement, such as Juneteenth. |
| Jubilee Day | An earlier name for Juneteenth, reflecting joyous celebrations of freedom and new beginnings. |
These sources illustrate the transition from the official announcement of freedom in 1865 to the colorful community observances of the present day. General Order 3 formally proclaimed liberty for enslaved individuals in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Meanwhile, the modern photographs showcase the lasting cultural impact and joyful spirit of Juneteenth.
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