Images courtesy of Google
June 20 (UPI) — Monday’s Google Doodle celebrates the national holiday of Juneteenth, which marks the official end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.
“On this day in 1865, more than 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, received news of their freedom, marking the official end of the Civil War,” Google said on its website.
“Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in early 1863, many black Americans were enslaved in western-most Confederate states such as Texas. General Granger and his Union troops marched as far as Texas and the general Order No. 3, which announced the news of the proclamation,” the website said.
“Upon hearing the news, former slaves became free Americans by executive decree, and many fled north in search of new life and hope to reunite their families torn apart by slavery.”
Created by father-son artist duo Jerome and Jeromah Jones, the artwork on Monday’s Google homepage featured several black people in colorful, traditional African clothing.
Viewers clicking on the image will see black, green and red colored confetti on the screen, a tribute to the Pan-African flag.
Black and gray arms and hands appear at the bottom of the screen, accompanied by a banner that reads, “Celebrate Freedom!” As well as a red and blue junction flag with a star in the center and the Pan-African flag.
“Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American independence and places an emphasis on education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some regions a month marked with festivities, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings,” the Juneteenth website said. Told.
“It’s a time for contemplation and joy. It’s a time for evaluation, self-improvement, and future planning. Its growing popularity reflects a level of maturity and dignity in America over a long period of time.”
There is no US mail delivery, and banks and stock markets are closed to mark the occasion.
