So, as you may know, African-Americans do not originate from America. Colonizers bought us here. Slavery in the United States was there in 1776 and officially lasted until 1865. But truth be told, we are still slaves to America.

We are not treated as equals even though our ancestors built this county on their backs. Our people were brutality raped, murdered, and taken away from the only place they knew as home. Even though they were enslaved they worked hard to free themselves for us! And we must continue to do the same. But, as we know you must educate yourself before you can educate others. So here are a few things that you need to understand our history. If you do not know what that is, its OK. Just please read carefully.

June 19th represents freedom for African-American slavery. This is when slaves in Texas were considered officially free. It was announced plenty of other times but on this day General Granger went to Texas and told everyone the war was over and slaves were free. The 13th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation have been made and adopted but there were still people who refuse to let their slaves go. The Emancipation Proclamation was given by President Lincoln on September 22, 1862. He spoke about how all people that were being held as slaves should be free. On January 1, 1863, he declared the Proclamation into action. But, the war continued. So very few people were freed. So, he decided to try something else.

Two years later on January 31, 1865, another step towards freedom was made. The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, was passed by Congress. More slaves became free, but many were still being held as slaves. So, the Civil War continued and did not end until May 13, 1865. Well, that’s what our history books say. On June 19th slaves became officially free. But many still were slaves. This is because it is all that they knew. Racism was very much alive as it still is today. Our Ancestors fought so hard to get us to where we are today, and we must continue to keep there Passion and Grit alive! That is the only thing that will continue to advance African Americans in America. In 1980 Texas recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday. But still is not a federal holiday.

When I Googled "June 19, 1965" it read that it was a Saturday, 15 days from independence day (July 4th). If that does speak for itself then I don't know what does. They don't want us to know the truth! They don't teach our history in schools, they teach there side of the story. We must teach ourselves to keep our history alive.