Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth in North Carolina, a celebration of the abolition of slavery in the United States following the Civil War.
“Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on our history and reconfirm our commitment to fighting injustice,” Governor Cooper said. “We honor the brave African American men and women who suffered under slavery and all those who have fought for freedom and equality in North Carolina and across our country.”
Juneteenth, also known as National Freedom Day, marks the date that word that slavery was now illegal in the United States reached some of the last people to get that news.
At the end of the Civil War, the news of freedom spread gradually across the country. On June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3 announcing freedom to some of the last slaves in America.
On June 19 each year, communities in North Carolina and throughout the country celebrate African American heritage, history, freedom, and culture with events and ceremonies that reflect the power of community, family, art, and tradition in the face of oppression.
Read the Juneteenth Proclamation HERE.