Juneteenth commemorates the date slaves in Galveston heard about the Emancipation Proclamation, which really didn't free anyone, considering Lincoln only “freed the slaves” in states which did not recognize his authority. Slavery was still permitted in the border states of Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, DC (!!), and Delaware.

Slavery was not abolished in the US until the 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865, eight months after Lincoln was assassinated and six months after the first Juneteenth.


[Post edited by Hokie CPA at 06/19/2018 8:08PM]