On this day in 1865, federal troops marched into Galveston Texas and took control over the state in order to enforce the abolishment of slavery, freeing all slaves in the state and presenting a symbol that slavery will not be tolerated in America. Two years prior, on September 22, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, officially freeing all slaves in The United States and its territories, and thus making the occupation of slavery an illegal act punishable by law. However, in some states slavery continued, the participants acting against the federal laws of abolishment, that is until the federal government took complete control and enforced the laws. Thus, Juneteenth is a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation and the enforcement of that decree, the enforcement of the laws against slavery. Happy Juneteenth, Everyone!
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” Abraham Lincoln