You’ve probably heard of Juneteenth, but maybe you’re not totally sure what it’s all about. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free. That was more than two years after President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The delay wasn’t just about distance (and the lack of cell phones), it was also about resistance to change. For many, that day in June was the real moment when freedom became a reality. Since then, Juneteenth has been celebrated across the country as a day to honor that turning point.
Here in Idaho, we might feel far removed from those events. Our state wasn’t even part of the Union yet during the Civil War. But Juneteenth is still part of our American story, and yes, part of Idaho’s story too. In 2021, Idaho joined other states in officially recognizing Juneteenth as a public holiday. Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation acknowledging the day’s significance and the value of remembering it (Office of the Governor, State of Idaho, 2021).
We also have some lesser-known but meaningful local history. In 1867, Elvina Moulton, a formerly enslaved woman from Kentucky, came to Boise and became one of its earliest Black residents. She helped start Boise’s first Presbyterian Church in 1878 and played a quiet but important role in the community. Further north, Joe and Lou Wells settled in Deary, Idaho, in the late 1800s. They were known for their strong work ethic and generosity and became respected members of that small town (KTVB, 2022). Stories like theirs help us understand that the impact of slavery and freedom reached far beyond the South.
Today, Juneteenth celebrations are growing across Idaho. Cities like Boise, Moscow, and Pocatello host events that include live music, local food, storytelling, and educational activities. They offer a chance for families, students, and neighbors to come together, learn something new, and celebrate freedom.
At IDLA, we believe that learning goes beyond textbooks. Recognizing a day like Juneteenth gives us a chance to talk about our country’s past, remembering where we came from so we can move forward with respect and understanding.
So this Juneteenth, whether you’re joining a local event, reading a bit of history, or just pausing to think, know this: by remembering this day, we become a little more connected to each other.
