06/19/2026
General Gordon Granger issued the order. General Orders No. 3. This order freed thousands of Americans still enslaved in Texas in 1865. President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. The civil war continued on for another 2 years.
Union solders freed many slaves in the southern territories, yet the enslaved still resided in confederate-held territory, having yet to receive emancipation. As of April 1865, many of our people were still enslaved. The spirit of rebellion flooded, still.
Just a few months later Major General Philip H. Sheridan sent Granger to Texas. On June 19th General Granger issued 5 orders, No. 3 stated,
"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with the proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."
When days like such arise, I often think about those unimaginable days and how the enslaved made it through. One of the ways our people were able to endure, was through what was known back then as "negro spirituals" and today as "old gospel hymns" songs like "Amazing Grace" , "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, "Wade in the Water." These hymns come with rhythm made through their own bodies building the songs of biblical reference and even clues to paths of the Underground Railroad.
Many people associate this music with suffering but it MOTIVATED them and pushed them closer to freedom. One of the reason gospel music is so important to me today. If it wasn't for the backs of these people there would be no Mahalia Jackson, the women who built the genre and got people to put respect on the genres name
Today, we honor those who came before usāthe builders, dreamers, believers, and survivors whose sacrifices helped shape this country and created opportunities for future generations.
Light your candle and listen to your playlist. You'll see how far we've come both creatively and musically.
Visit 19keys and/or The National Museum: United States Army to learn more about General Gordon and his role in getting us closer to freedom. Scan the code for your evening vibe this Juneteenth, curated by Jess | I Am The Vibe
