Early Juneteenth celebrations Formerly enslaved people in Galveston rejoiced after General Order No. 3. One year later, on June 19, 1866, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became annual commemorations of "Jubilee Day." Early celebrations were used as political rallies to give voting instructions to newly freed African Americans. Other independence observances occurred on January 1 or 4.
Early Juneteenth celebrations Formerly enslaved people in Galveston rejoiced after General Order No 3 One year later on June 19 1866 freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became annual commemorations of "Jubilee Day" Early celebrations were used as political rallies to give voting instructions to newly freed African Americans Other independence observances occurred on January 1 or 4