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Primary Sources for African American History

Emancipation Day Celebration

 

Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin. Credit: Austin History Center.

From the National Museum of African American History and Culture's "The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth" page

 

General Order #3, the Original ‘Juneteenth’ Order

 

The text of General Order #3 is as follows:

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.

Videos for Juneteenth Collected on The National Museum of African American History and Culture's YouTube page

The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, part of the Smithsonian Institution and colloquially known as the Blacksonian, has an extensive YouTube page, including two playlists specifically for Juneteenth. 

  • Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience contains 18 videos providing history, context, and other cultural information, even including recipes for Juneteenth celebrations. 
  • Juneteenth 2024 contains 30 songs and music videos " that speak to themes of family, freedom, joy, and resilience."

Please find these playlists below.

*All information current as of Juneteenth, 2024

Caption from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, for the the above video (See the original webpage here):

Based on time-honored recipes updated for today’s palate, NMAAHC Curator Joanne Hyppolite and Sweet Home Executive Chef Ramin Coles will discuss how at-home audiences can design and cook a delicious Juneteenth Day menu for family and friends.

Cherry Cobbler - 2:41

Red Beans and Rice - 10:51

Cherry Cola BBQ sauce - 17:03

Stewed Okra w/ Tomatoes and Corn - 24:00

BBQ Chicken - 29:14