Digital News Report

Digital News Report – Juneteenth is also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, which is celebrated on June 19. Thirty-nine states celebrate this day as a holiday to some degree. June nineteenth is combined into one word ‘Juneteenth.’ On June 19, 1865, the abolition of slavery in the United States was enforced.

The Emancipation Proclamation happened on September 22, 1862, but wasn’t enforced in many areas in the South. On June 18, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived with federal troops in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. On the next day, June 19th, General Granger gave a speech announcing that slaves will be free and will enforce the law.

In Santa Cruz, there was a ‘Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom’ event that was held at Laurel Park on Saturday, June 12. The free event had music, speakers, food and crafts.

By: Greg Cook