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On June 19, 1865, at the Galveston’s Ashton Villa, General Gordon Granger read to the people of Galveston, Texas the contents of “General Order No. 3” stating that:

“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.”

That day was marked as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day ending the slavery in Texas. It is also known as Juneteenth and is recognized and celebrated yearly in 31 states in the US as a state holiday. It is the time when country, races, nationalities and religion doesn’t matter and are celebrating together to look back in history. Acknowledging our past will help us understand our society, where we are right now and our future.

Juneteenth activities:

Arlington

The African American Alumni Chapter of the University of Texas at Arlington will host a Juneteenth happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Jamaica Gates Caribbean Cuisine, 1020 W. Arkansas Lane. 817-795-2600.

Dallas

Juneteenth Blues and Jazz Festival starts at 6 p.m. today at the African American Museum of Dallas, 3536 Grand Ave. in Fair Park. Museum admission costs $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. 214-565-9026.

Read more Juneteenth activities in DallasNews.com.