Enslavers across the state resisted the general’s order, hiding the news from enslaved Black people. After Granger’s order, the Union Army literally had to march across Texas to enforce the order and free enslaved Black people. In some cases, enslaved Black people in Texas were run down by bloodhounds or shot rather than be released from bondage. AdvertisementNo one knows how many enslaved Black people were driven farther south by enslavers to avoid freeing them. “Juneteenth should be celebrated to recognize the symbolic emancipation of African Americans from slavery” in Texas, Dulaney said.

Source: Washington Post June 20, 2022 04:49 UTC