Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation celebrating Juneteenth, a blending of ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth’ on the third Saturday in June, which is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Even though Juneteenth was yesterday, it is being federally observed today, Monday, June 20.
The commemoration dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union Soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, TX with the news that the civil war had ended and that all enslaved people were now free. The state of Texas held the last major remnant of slavery in the country after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official in 1863.
The proclamation says that each year on the anniversary of the announcement, cities across Alaska and the nation honor the freeing of the last slaves and celebrate African American heritage through celebrations, family gatherings, parades, historical reenactments, African American heritage exhibits, traditional musical performances, or readings by African American writers.
Gov. Dunleavy said:
“Juneteenth is a day on which we must recognize the evils of slavery, honor and respect the devastating impact slavery imposed on African Americans and our country as a whole, and engage in conversation to learn from our history. Let us all come together, young and old, to listen, to learn, and to grow, as well as to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the inalienable rights outlined in our nation’s constitution – the rights of liberty, dignity, and equality for all citizens.”
He calls on Alaskans to recommit to the ongoing work of guaranteeing liberty and equal rights for all Americans.