Today in 1865: Known among African Americans as Juneteenth, this is the day slaves in Texas and Louisiana learn they had been freed by President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, and announced the order that the slaves had been freed. This was two-and-a-half years after the Proclamation had taken effect. It stated, “that all persons held as slaves are, and henceforward shall be free.” The information was kept from the slaves possibly so the slaveowners could reap another harvest, or because there weren’t enough Union soldiers to enforce the order until Granger arrived, but Juneteenth is the celebration of that day.
It’s Today’s Action Calendar!
Tonight is Zen Under Fire – a book reading with Marianne Elliott – human rights advocate, writer, and yoga teacher who uses story to support conscious activism in the world. This is tonight at 6:30pm at A Room of One’s Own Bookstore, 315 West Gorham. More info at 257-7888 or roomofonesown.com.
Tomorrow night there will be free Buddhist Chanting, wishing for the happiness and spiritual growth of everyone. This is the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 7 to 8:30pm. No experience necessary and everyone is welcome! This is at the Madison Tao Sangha Center, 2330 Willard Avenue. Please RSVP to madison@taosangha-na.com or call 608 257-4663.