Today we celebrate Juneteenth here in Texas and across America. On June 19, 1865, slaves here in Galveston, Texas found out they were set free two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Could you imagine how they felt here in Texas when Gordon Granger announcing federal orders in Galveston, Texas, standing on a balcony, proclaiming that all people held as slaves in Texas were free.
In past years, my grandmother and grandfather celebrated this day by having gatherings with family and friends. They would often drink red soda, eat watermelon, red velvet cake and Bar B-Q. This year marks 10 years of my visits to Galveston, Texas during the month of June. When I’m there, I often celebrate my mother’s birthday or enjoy some sunshine + beach with friends.
Last year, when visiting on this day, I reflected on how slaves in Texas felt the moment they found out they were free some 155 years ago. Sometimes when I place my feet in the ocean and walk into the waters a little bit, I wonder if former slaves ever imagine that one day they would be set free. The smiles below are for my ancestors ๐
