It goes by many names—Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or the country's second Independence Day. Juneteenth is one of the most pivotal anniversaries in American history. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led Union soldiers to Galveston, Texas, delivering a crucial message: the Civil War had ended, the Union had triumphed, and slavery was to be abolished. This announcement came two months after the Civil War effectively concluded and over two years since President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. However, many enslaved Black people in Texas were still not free. About 250,000 slaves remained in bondage, as slave owners often refused to release them until forced by government representatives. Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. noted that some owners delayed emancipation until after a final harvest or outright refused to comply. The situation was perilous for Black people, with some freed individuals being attacked or killed. Confederate states, particularly Texas, exhibited a strong desire to preserve slavery as long as possible, as explained by historian Rebecca Walsh. Before Granger's arrival, many slave owners ignored the Emancipation Proclamation, as Union forces lacked the power to enforce it in the South. Although slavery wasn't abolished nationwide until the 13th Amendment's ratification, the Emancipation Proclamation was a significant step. Historian Lonnie Bunch emphasized its role in initiating the federal government's commitment to ending slavery. Juneteenth commemorates this landmark event, celebrating the journey towards freedom and equality. #Black Culture