As many across the country celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, Cleveland City Council has issued a statement explaining the meaning behind the holiday.
Titled "Why We Celebrate and Commemorate Juneteenth," the statement from the Cleveland City Council shares a history lesson regarding the effective end of slavery in the United States.
"Today we celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 in Galveston, Texas, when Union Army General Gordon Granger read aloud the contents of General Order Nol. 3 announcing the total emancipation of those held as slaves," the statement reads.
"Slaveholders had migrated west into Texas to escape Civil War fighting. By 1865 an estimated 250,000 people were enslaved in Texas.
"While Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865 the western Army of the Trans-Mississippi did not surrender until June 2nd.
"General Granger arrived at Galveston Island with 2,000 federal troops on June 18th to occupy Texas. He made the announcement the next day.
"It initially started as Jubilee Day in some communities. This year marks the 155th anniversary. Today should be a day of reflection on this anniversary and its meaning. For some a buried history that should be known by all."
With this year's celebration coinciding with a rise in awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement, the holiday has seen increased attention with many companies recognizing it as a company holiday.