America: 50☆Stars (Vol. 3)

Episode 23: Juneteenth

June 19, 2021—Houston, Texas

It's close to noon, yet it already feels like afternoon weather thanks to the humidity and this darn heatwave. The brightness of the sun doesn't help matters. Then again, it's better than having a rainstorm dampen the Juneteenth festivities.

"God bless Jesus Christ! This brisket is amazing!"

"The hot links are so tasty!"

"I can't get enough of these ribs!"

Listening within earshot of their compliments, Texas hums in amusement, "Ah, putting smiles on people's faces with my barbecue never gets old." She continues to serve free barbecue meals for attendees at Emancipation Park.

"Hey! Ya plannin' on leavin' soon?" asks one of the volunteers.

She nods. "Yep! It's almost an hour-drive to Galveston. I don't wanna miss the parade."

"Alrighty. Thanks for helpin' us prep the food this morning."

"No problem. Enjoy the free barbecue and fun festivities," she smiles.

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June 19, 1865—Galveston, Texas

"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," Union Major General Gordon Granger proclaimed to the citizens of Galveston gathered outside the Osterman Building on a Monday morning.

This important announcement had long been overdue. Because two and a half years ago, every enslaved person in the United States was guaranteed freedom according to the Emancipation Proclamation. Unfortunately, many Texans didn't seem to get the memo for whatever reason. Now that the war was over, excuses and exceptions wouldn't be tolerated. Refusal to obey the order was no longer an option. The Union soldiers arriving in the former Confederate state would make sure to enforce the noble mandate whether anyone agreed or disagreed.

"Pardon the intrusion, sir," Texas stepped forward to meet the owner of a sugar cane plantation situated on the outskirts of the city. "I need to have a word with you and the people working here."

"Certainly..." The old master begrudgingly summoned the overseer, ordering them to bring the slaves over to him. Five minutes later, the overseer returned with twenty slaves—six men, nine women, and five children—walking barefoot in a straight line behind them.

"Is that all of them?"

"Yes, that's all of them."

"... Very well." She began to approach the obedient line of confused faces and frightful eyes, assuring them, "You have nothing to fear. No one is in trouble. I'm here to inform everyone of something important that needs to be understood." She brought up a document and read it aloud, "In summary of General Order No. 3, the enslaved people on this plantation are free. Under this proclamation, every freed person is equal with personal rights and rights of property protected under law. From now on, you have the freedom to work for whoever chooses to hire you. Anyone deciding to continue working for the owner of the plantation will be subjected to proper wages according to your labor. Otherwise, you're free to leave and choose what you want to do with your freedom. That is all."