UT Arlington Professor Explains Why We Celebrate Juneteenth

Press release from the City of Arlington:

June 19, 2020

It was June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with news enslaved Texans had been freed under President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation — more than two years earlier.

According to historic records, celebrations began almost immediately. And they continue to this day. The tradition that began in Texas has now spread across the world.

"What I try to do with young people since I've been a teacher for 43 years is explain the significance of the date and how it developed during segregation times" said Dr. William Dulaney, UT Arlington History Professor Emeritus. "It has meant a lot because in general our community has faced all these restrictions. And it's taken a lot of work and a lot of struggle to change things."

"I've always said, 'If you don't celebrate anything else, celebrate Juneteenth,'" Dr. Dulaney said. "It's been our day for over 150 years."

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This press release was produced by the City of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.