SLEM MAG – JUNE
is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. In today’s era, Juneteenth is still not recognized as a national holiday. However, recognizers make it necessary to celebrate with community events, parades, and commemorations that bring light to the rich history of the abolition of slavery, and the historical and societal progress made within our nation. Texas State Representative, Al Edwards sponsored House Bill 1016 to make June 19th (Juneteenth) a state holiday. The bill passed in 1979 and the MCJCF, along with many other grateful organizations and citizens throughout the State of Texas thank Representative Al Edwards for his dedication and tireless effort in making Juneteenth an official State of Texas holiday.
Red foods commemorate the blood spilled throughout slavery.