The Native Californian Juneteenth: Another False Promise of Freedom

1820 painting of European view of supplicating Indians seeking absolution from local priests. Bancroft Library, Berkeley, CA (HN000275a)

Juneteenth is a commemoration of the announcement of the supposed emancipation of slaves in Texas, on June 19, 1865. One hundred and fifty-six years after the original Juneteenth, it was declared a federal holiday. The news was slow to be announced, and it has been slow to be recognized. More important, the General Order №3 read by the Union General that day, did not really…