Juneteenth Celebration**Denim Affair** June 19, 2009

Juneteenth 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,landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the slaves were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.

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