"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."

- Union Army Major General Gordon Granger - June 19, 1865

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in
the United States.

Click here for more on the history of Juneteenth