Have you ever heard of "June-teenth"?

[CatWoman]

When exactly is that??

[GOPisEvil]

1. June-teenth.

It's the 19th of June. It celebrates the actual day that black folks here in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. It's an unofficial state holiday here. It's a rather big deal.

[CatWoman]

6. Thanks for the info

and the spelling correction.

It's hot as hell here -- I can't think.

I never heard of the holiday until I moved to the deep south.

[GOPisEvil]

9. It's 8:00 and still 90 f-ing degrees here.

I know what you mean. :grr:

If June 19 falls on a weekday, it's an optional holiday for us state employees. Since it's Sunday this year, we lose it. :(

There are always big parades here in Texas.

[DemBones DemBones]

7. I learned about it in recent years -- I think the AJC did an article on it

It apparently isn't well-known outside of Texas.

[AlGore-08.com]

8. Here's the wikipedia page about it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth

:hi: Hi GOPisEvil!

[GOPisEvil]

10. That's a very good page.

:hi: AlGore-08!

[Skittles]

19. I KNEW THAT

just wanted Midori to know *I* knew that! :D

[CatWoman]

20. duly noted, Susan

:hi:

[Skittles]

21. yes, back when I was a supervisor I gave a few days off for Juneteenth

celebrations....as I recall they involved a lot of BARBEQUE. Yes INDEED! :D

[Raster]

2. Share the love, Baybee...

http://www.juneteenth.com/

Join us in celebrating the 140th Anniversary

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

[librechik]

3. It's Juneteenth--June 19th--Emancipation Day!

http://www.juneteenth.com/

[patrice]

4. Juneteenth.

I usually go to whatever Juneteenth happening is going on here in K.C.

[Modem Butterfly]

5. Isn't it usually the second or third week of June?

I'm not from Texas, but a co-worker is married to a Texan who celebrates it religiously. He always makes fun of her for that, saying that being told late is nothing to celebrate, but she says that they're just happy they found out!

[CatWoman]

12. Hi, MB!!

:hi:

did you know that that's my initials? :D

[Modem Butterfly]

22. I guess so!

Hi backatcha! We're moving this week, so we're t-i-r-e-d.

[Kraklen]

11. Not until now I hadn't.

If I were president I'd declare that a national holiday.

Fuck Columbus day, I want to celebrate Juneteenth.

[nuxvomica]

14. Me too, and I'm of Italian descent

I've never heard of this holiday before but I love the idea of it. It actually commemorates something significant and it has an interesting tradition to boot.

[Zomby Woof]

13. Yep

All because, back in 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan wore a t-shirt with the name of the Juneteenth Festival in Texas. :-)

[CatWoman]

15. the "answer zomby"

:hi:

[Zomby Woof]

17. I am going to go on Jeopardy

And kick everyone's ass! :hi:

[MrScorpio]

16. I was stationed in Texas for a couple of years

I didn't hear about it until I went there

[CubsFan1982]

18. I'm from northern IL, but I've heard of it.

The local NAACP and the Urban League chapters hold a Juneteenth event pretty much every year, and the county Democratic Party always has a presence at the event. I didn't know about it until I was in 6th grade, but I've gone to the Juneteenth festival a couple times, and it's a blast.

[Kenneth ken]

23. I learned about it when I lived in Florida. n/t