Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it
Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the
end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History
Reader.
On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group
of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered. Order Number 3
was read, proclaiming that they were no longer enslaved--they were free.
People danced, wept tears of joy, and began to plan their new lives.
Juneteenth became an annual celebration that is observed by more and
more Americans with parades, picnics, family gatherings, and reflection
on the words of historical figures, to mark the day when freedom truly
rang for all.
Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots
and popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.