The History of Juneteenth

While many Americans were celebrating Father's Day, there were some Americans who were also celebrating another holiday, Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is an African American holiday that commemorates the freedom of the last group of slaves in the U.S.  Michigan became the 18th state to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. The holiday has become an official state holiday in 39 states, the latest of which being Nevada.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, the last group of slaves were not freed until June of 1865.

Union Gen. Gordon Granger freed the last group of slaves in Galveston, TX, on June 19, 1865, and declared that the institution of slavery was offically dead in the U.S., according to the Texas State Historical Association.

The Juneteenth Committee of Lansing held celebration activities over the weekend of Jun. 16 - Jun. 18. The Lansing Capitol Building held a luncheon celebration, Lansing City Hall held the Kick-Off Program, and St. Joesph Park was the site for outdoor festival activies.