Today marks Juneteenth, an internationally-celebrated day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t recognized by Southern states, specifically Texas.
Two and a half years after the proclamation, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, with enough troops to actually enforce the proclamation and free the slaves. Granger issued General Order No. 3, which stated: “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 rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
According to Juneteenth.com, the holiday “celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.” President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021, officially making the day a federal holiday.
CJ Logistics is proud of the diversity present not only in our own company, but throughout the entire country. We are committed to upholding equality each and every day, and hope everyone joins with us in celebrating Juneteenth this year.
