by Eileen Dolan, Technical Services Librarian

Was I asleep during history class? I learned about the Emancipation Proclamation, but until last year I did not know there was a celebration to go with it.

June 19th commemorates the announcement proclaiming freedom from slavery in Texas. General Granger made the announcement on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation issued on September 22, 1862 with an effective date of January 1, 1863 took more than 2 years to reach the slaves in that part of Texas.

Red drinks, especially strawberry soda, are the beverage of the day.

Celebrating does not fix what is wrong. Celebrating helps us reflect and gives us hope.

NYLI will be closed on Friday, June 18, 2021 in celebration of Juneteenth.