As Juneteenth's observance is getting more attention and being adopted more widely as an official holiday, there's growing attention to how certain states within the Union continued to practice slavery even after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. While many people are familiar with the broad strokes of American history during the Civil War era, the nuances of individual states' stances on slavery can sometimes be overlooked.
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, passed in Congress during the Civil War before being ratified in late 1865. However, even before this monumental step was taken, there were two Union border states that continued to practice slavery. These states were Delaware and Kentucky, both of which held onto the institution of slavery until the 13th Amendment was finally ratified.
“After emancipation there would come questions of labor, wage and political power. But now, first, must be demanded that ordinary human decency be observed," said one historian reflecting on the importance of abolishing slavery in all states, including those within the Union. The legacy of slavery in these border states has had lasting effects on their societies and cultures, shaping their identities in unique ways.
Juneteenth celebrations should acknowledge that the 13th Amendment, not the Emancipation Proclamation, abolished slavery nationwide. While the Emancipation Proclamation was a crucial step towards ending slavery, it was the 13th Amendment that solidified this change in the eyes of the law. Understanding this distinction is essential in fully comprehending the history of slavery in the United States.
June 19, 2020, marks the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth — a mashup of June and nineteenth — the oldest-known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This date holds particular significance for African Americans and others who recognize the importance of emancipation and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Juneteenth, or Emancipation Day, will occur June 19 and be celebrated across the U.S. to mark the end of slavery, but Kentucky's history as a border state that continued to practice slavery until the ratification of the 13th Amendment adds a layer of complexity to this holiday. Understanding the full history of slavery in the United States requires acknowledging the roles that different states played in perpetuating this institution.
Juneteenth started in Texas to commemorate the end of slavery and then spread to Arizona and has now become a celebration of Black life and culture across the country. While the focus of Juneteenth is on freedom and liberation, it is crucial to remember the struggles and challenges that African Americans faced in states like Delaware and Kentucky, where slavery persisted even after it had been abolished in other parts of the country.
Issued after the Union victory at Antietam on September 22, 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation carried moral and strategic implications for the Civil War. However, its impact was limited in states like Delaware and Kentucky, where slavery continued to be practiced until the 13th Amendment officially ended the institution nationwide. Understanding the complexities of slavery in border states is essential in comprehending the full scope of American history during this tumultuous period.
