On June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth National Independence Day for the first time as a federal holiday. It was signed into law by President Biden on June 17, 2021, following bi-partisan support of the bill in congress.
Although many people believe that the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 marked the end of slavery in the United States, the true end of enslavement did not come for another two years. Individuals remained enslaved in Texas, where some slave owners did not follow the demands made in the proclamation issued by President Lincoln.
The powerful proclamation, known as General Order No. 3, began with significant language:
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The day honors June 19, 1865, two months after the end of the Civil War when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that all people enslaved in the state were now free. Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day and Jubilee Day and is celebrated on June 19 each year.
The powerful proclamation, known as General Order No. 3, began with significant language:
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor…”
We continue to honor and celebrate this day of freedom. Last year, the Utah Jazz announced its plans to designate Juneteenth as an annual paid company holiday for its employees, starting its observance on Friday, June 19, 2020.
The Larry H. Miller Group of Companies remains committed to fostering equality and inclusion, now and into the future. We know we are stronger when we listen to and learn from one another, and we look forward to the celebration of this day together.