Confederate forces surrendered to Union forces in Appomattox Court House, Virginia in April of 1865.

But many people in Texas were still living under slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect in January of 1863 in places under Union control. But Union forces did not arrive to enforce emancipation in Texas until June of 1865.

That is why we celebrate Juneteenth— to recognize the day that the people enslaved in Texas were finally freed.

And while Juneteenth is the most famous holiday recognizing emancipation, different communities have held their own celebrations since the end of the Civil War.

This hour, we’re recognizing Juneteenth by taking a look at celebrations past and present. We’ll take a look at the history of Emancipation Days and how they’ve been documented, and we’ll hear from one of the organizers of this year’s Juneteenth celebration in New Haven.

GUESTS:

• Blair LM Kelley: President and Director of the National Humanities Center. Her books include Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class and her latest book, Black Freedom: A Visual History of Juneteenth and Emancipation Days.

• Dr. Hanan Hameen: Founder of the Artsucation Academy Network, Co-Founder of the Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven and award-winning choreographer and educator.

Photo source: Detroit Publishing Co.