On June 19, 1865, slaves in Texas were formally notified that they had been emancipated, or given their freedom. This day became an annual holiday known as 'Juneteenth,' and it is celebrated today with food, fireworks, and community and family parties that commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Angela Leeper divides her time working with educators and creating children's books. She received her master's in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. |