Saturday marks the first time in United States history that Americans observe Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
The holiday landmarks the official ending of slavery in the United States. Civil War Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865 to declared that all slaves were free due to the Emancipation Proclamation Act — two years after its passing.
As part of the league’s Inspire Change program, Houston native and former Texans safety Michael Thomas took part in an NFL feature that showcases the importance of Juneteenth and its history.
“I’m looking forward to having a conversation with a couple of historians who can teach me about Juneteenth,” Thomas said. “Being from Texas, I’ve learned about it in school. But to be here on the ground, it’s going to be amazing.”
Galveston Historical Foundation’s Tommie D. Boudreaux joined the former Pro-Bowl safety to discuss the significance and revisit Juneteenth’s famous locations within the city. The Reedy Chapel AME Church was one of several historic locations Thomas and Boudreaux visited during the 4:23 video, where General Granger proclaimed the end of slavery.
Boudreaux said Juneteenth is an American story and is part of the nation’s history. Al Edwards was the first American politician to present a bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday. But on June 17, President Joe Biden signed the bill marking Juneteenth as a federal holiday — the 11th in American history.
Click here to watch Michael Thomas explore the history of Juneteenth in Galveston with Tommie D. Boudreaux.
