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 rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.
—Major General Gordon Granger
This statement, the first paragraph of a document known as General Order Number Three, was announced by General Granger on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. Why the news reached Texas roughly two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation is a matter of some debate. Perhaps slave owners purposely withheld the information; maybe federal troops were allowing plantation owners one last cotton harvest. Another legend maintains that the messenger carrying the order to Texas was murdered en route. Either way, Texans weren't happy, and many slaves hightailed it before the entire proclamation could be read.
The liberation of Texas slaves spawned an annual celebration, and since that history-making day in 1865, June 19 has been referred to as Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. In the Bay area, Juneteenth 2001 takes place Saturday, June 16, in St. Pete's Campbell Park.
People from all cultural backgrounds can come commemorate this national day of freedom from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., where young and old alike enjoy food, African crafts, dance, spoken word, historical reenactments and more. Gospel, blues, reggae and jazz tunes permeate the park, and Atlanta's 11-year-old hip-hop sensation Nikki B. wows the crowd. But the celebration doesn't end there. At 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church hosts its inspirational and gospel extravaganza, featuring music, dance, poetry and a restoration service. The final Juneteenth activity, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, is the Middle Passage Candlelight Vigil in Straub Park, in honor of those ancestors ripped from their homeland to endure the horrendous middle passage voyage to the so called New World.
Campbell Park's at 601 14th St. S. Mt. Zion's at 955 20th St. S., and Straub Park's at Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue North, all in St. Petersburg. Call 727-821-3833.
—Kelli K
This article appears in Jun 14-20, 2001.