Why Did Texas Take So Long to Free Its Slaves? A Tale of Slow News and Slower Actions
Let's talk about Texas and slavery. A combo that’s about as pleasant as a cactus in your underpants. The Emancipation Proclamation was a big deal, right? Like, huge. It was basically the US government saying, "Alright, y'all, slavery's over. Pack it up." But in Texas, it was like they were listening to a really bad game of telephone.
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| Why Did It Take So Long For Texas To Free Slaves |
The Lone Star State, the Loneliest News
You see, when Abe Lincoln signed that fancy proclamation in 1863, it was more like a suggestion for some parts of the country. Texas, being the rebellious teenager of the states, decided to ignore it completely. It's like they were that kid in class who plugs their ears and sings "la-la-la" whenever they don't want to listen.
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Cotton Fields Forever?
So, why the delay? Well, let's just say Texas was having a really good cotton harvest. Like, record-breaking good. So, while the rest of the country was starting to figure out this whole "free labor" thing, Texas was all, "One more year, guys! We promise!" It's like they were addicted to the sweet taste of free labor and couldn't quit cold turkey.
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Finally, Some Freedom (Sort Of)
It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that the Union Army finally showed up in Texas and was like, "Hey, remember that whole slavery thing? Yeah, it's over." That day is now celebrated as Juneteenth, a pretty big deal if you ask me. But even then, freedom wasn't exactly a picnic. Former slaves faced discrimination, violence, and a whole lot of other BS.
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So, to sum it up: Texas was slow on the uptake, loved its cotton, and even after slavery ended, the fight for equality was far from over. It’s a dark chapter in American history, but it's important to understand so we can work towards a better future.
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How To...
- How to understand Juneteenth: Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
- How to learn more about slavery: There are countless books, documentaries, and online resources available.
- How to support racial equality: Educate yourself, vote for leaders who prioritize equality, and support organizations working for social justice.
- How to talk to kids about slavery: Be honest, age-appropriate, and emphasize the importance of learning from history.
- How to celebrate Juneteenth: Attend local events, learn about the holiday's history, and support Black-owned businesses.
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