Juneteenth

Today is June 19th, more commonly known in Texas and other states as Juneteenth.  This official state holiday commemorates the events of June 18 and 19, 1865.  On June 18,1865, Union General Gordan Granger arrived in the island city of Galveston with 2000 troops to take possession of the state and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862 to take effect on January 1, 1863.  On June 19, 1865, General Granger strolled onto the balcony of Ashton House (pictured above) and made the following announcement to those gathered there: 

"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 personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."

This was the first time the slaves held by their owners in the Confederate State of Texas had been informed of their Emancipation and status as freedmen.  "Former slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year.^[5] Across many parts of Texas, freed people pooled their funds to purchase land specifically for their communities and increasingly large Juneteenth gatherings — including Houston’s Emancipation Park, Mexia’s Booker T. Washington Park, and Emancipation Park in Austin."  It has been celebrated in Texas every year since 1866 and finally in 1980 became an official state holiday.  "Throughout the 1980s and 1990s Juneteenth continued to enjoy a growing interest from communities and organizations throughout the country as African Americans have an interest to see that the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten. Many see roots tying back to Texas soil from which all remaining American slaves were finally granted their freedom."  Juneteenth is now also celebrated in 41 other states.   

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Your Musical Moment for today features the music of Johann Sebastian Bach with his 6 English Suites for Piano. BWV 806-811.  The Pianist is not listed in the video description, however from photagraphs in the video, I believe the Pianist is Wilhelm Kempff.  Following the play list is a decidedly delicious gathering of nubile Men au Naturale.  Thanks for sharing part of your day with me here at Nichevo.  Until next time as always, Enjoy!