Saint Louis Public Schools

Celebrating Juneteenth with Saint Louis Public Schools
As we come together to honor Juneteenth, Saint Louis Public Schools is proud to join the nationwide celebration of this significant day in American history. Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks a pivotal moment in our nation's journey toward freedom and equality.

The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had legally freed slaves in the Confederate states on January 1, 1863. The delay was due to the limited number of Union troops to enforce the order in remote regions. General Granger's proclamation brought freedom to more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas, symbolizing the triumph of liberty and justice.

Join Us in Celebration
We invite all members of the Saint Louis community to join us in celebrating Juneteenth. Together, let us honor the resilience, courage, and contributions of African Americans throughout history and reaffirm our commitment to the values of freedom and equality for all.