On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. This order demanded that all enslaved people throughout the country be freed and given their independence. This news was met with both celebration and resistance. States still under Confederate control did not immediately adhere to the decree. It was not until June 19, 1865, over two and a half years later, that liberty finally arrived in Texas, the final holdout state, when a group of 2,000 Union soldiers rode into Galveston Bay and announced that all enslaved people in the state were now free. June 19 became known as “Juneteenth” and is now recognized as our country’s second Independence Day. It marked the beginning of the Reconstruction Era as well as the forward momentum in the pursuit of equality for all men and women. African Americans began to take steps to establish themselves as sovereign citizens by forming schools, running for office, and voting in elections. Still, these gains were not made without sacrifice, and many individuals met violent resistance when they attempted to exercise their rights.

Today, Juneteenth – also known as Freedom Day – honors the resilience and achievements of African Americans. It has been a federally-recognized holiday since 2021. 

All historical information sourced from the Smithsonian. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth#:~:text=Freedom%20finally%20came%20on%20June,newly%20 freed%20people%20in%20Texas. 

P.S. Did you see the cover art of the June At Ease? Original artwork from Matt Valverde, a Visual Information Specialist, to celebrate Freedom Day. Check out the digital version here!

Juneteenth Meal at the Hot Pit

Tuesday, June 18 | 11am

Warwick Castle

Wednesday, June 19 (Juneteenth)

Adult/Child £53 | Infant £20

R4R: Adult/Child £27

Transportation & W arwick Castle entry

Juneteenth Bowling Special

Saturday, June 22 | 12pm – 10pm

$5 of ANY Rent-a-lane at Liberty Lanes Bowling Center

FSS Facility Closures