Talking History with Evaleen Diaz
Dive into the past with Talking History, a podcast where 8th grader Evaleen Diaz uncovers the wild, messy, and super important stories that shaped our world! From laws like the Fugitive Slave Act to the battles and people who changed everything, each episode breaks down history in a fun, easy way. Perfect for curious minds who want to know the “why” behind today. Tune in for 10-minute adventures—no textbook needed!
Talking History with Evaleen Diaz
Juneteenth: When Texas Finally Got the Freedom Memo
Freedom dropped like a surprise Beyoncé album! That's how Evelyn Diaz, your eighth-grade history enthusiast, describes the moment when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free on June 19, 1865—a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Juneteenth marks a pivotal turning point in American history, yet for generations, this monumental celebration of freedom remained largely unknown outside Black communities. The holiday commemorates when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with Union soldiers, announcing that slavery had been abolished in the former Confederate states. As Evelyn colorfully explains, "Texas was acting unwise like that one kid who ignores the group chat," keeping nearly 250,000 people enslaved long after they were legally free.
What makes Juneteenth truly special is how it transformed from a Texas celebration into a nationwide phenomenon. As formerly enslaved people migrated across the country, they carried these traditions with them—red foods symbolizing resilience, community gatherings, and powerful commemorations of freedom. From strawberry soda to barbecue feasts, these celebrations maintained cultural significance even before Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 through the tireless advocacy of Opal Lee, affectionately known as the "grandma of Juneteenth."
Beyond the festivities, Juneteenth carries profound significance as America's "second Independence Day," acknowledging that July 4th, 1776, didn't deliver freedom for everyone. It reminds us that liberty isn't just about proclamations but about information, implementation, and community resilience. As Evelyn puts it, "Juneteenth is dope because it's not just about the past; it's about us now"—a celebration of how far we've come and a reminder of the ongoing journey toward true equality.
Join our community of curious history lovers! Whether you're discovering Juneteenth for the first time or deepening your understanding of this vital celebration, there's always more to learn about the resilient spirit behind America's newest federal holiday with the oldest roots.
Hey there, time travelers, it's your girl, evelyn Diaz, your 8th grade host of Talking History, back to drop some knowledge bombs. Welcome to episode 3, where we're diving into Juneteenth, aka the day of freedom, through the ultimate glow up party. If you've been walking with me for the last two episodes, you know we've been talking about slavery and its big, messy impact. Today we're flipping the script to celebrate the day. Enslaved people in Texas finally got the memo. You're free. So grab your snacks, maybe some lemonade for that summer vibe, and let's unpack Juneteenth like it's the hottest trend of 1865. Let's go, alright, let's set the scene.
Speaker 1:It's June 19th 1865 in Galveston, texas. Picture this the Civil War just wrapped up like game over Confederacy. Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation back in 1863 saying enslaved people in rebel states were free. But here's the tea. Texas was out here, acting unwise like that one kid who ignores the group chat. A lot of enslaved folks in Texas didn't even know they were free because well news traveled slower than a snail on vacation back then. No TikTok, no Wi-Fi, just word of mouth and some very late mail. Enter Major General Gordon Granger rolling into Galveston with his Union soldiers like hold up y'all. I got an announcement On June 19th he drops General Order number three, which basically says slavery Canceled, everyone's free.
Speaker 1:Can you imagine the vibe? People who had been enslaved their whole lives hearing this? It was like the ultimate plot twist their whole lives. Hearing this, it was like the ultimate plot twist Freedom dropped like a surprise Beyonce album. So why is it called Juneteenth? Easy, it's June plus 19.
Speaker 1:Squished together like PB&J, this day became a big deal, not just in Texas but everywhere, because it marked when the last enslaved people in the US got the news. It's like the grand finale of freedom. But let's keep it real Freedom wasn't all sunshine and rainbows right away. Some folks didn't want to let go of slavery and freed people faced a ton of challenges like finding jobs, homes and safety. Still, juneteenth was a spark of hope, the start of something new. Now let's talk about why Juneteenth is the ultimate party. People started celebrating right away, like cookouts, music and dancing. They'd wear their best outfits, like they were walking the red carpet of freedom. Food oh, you know it was popping Barbecue, red velvet cake and strawberry soda, because red food symbolized resilience and joy. My mouth's watering just thinking about it. Today, juneteenth is all about community parades, festivals and even reading the Emancipation out loud to remember the moment.
Speaker 1:Okay, history fans, let's do a quick. Did you Know? Lightning round Ready First up. Did you Know Juneteenth wasn't just a Texas thing? It spread across the country as free people moved like sharing a viral dance move. By the 1900s, black communities everywhere were throwing Juneteenth vashes.
Speaker 1:Number two Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Shout out to Opa Lee, a super cool activist who campaigned for it. She's like the grandma of Juneteenth. And third, some folks called Juneteenth America's second Independence Day because July 4th didn't mean freedom for everyone back in 1776. Mind blown, right. Let's get personal for a sec.
Speaker 1:As an eighth grader, I think Juneteenth is dope because it's not just about the past, it's about us now. It's a reminder to keep pushing for fairness and equality. Like when you're trying to get your squad to agree on a group project topic, juneteenth says, hey, freedom's worth celebrating, but the work's not done. Plus, who doesn't love a good party? With meaning? I mean, if I could go back to 1865, I'd be out there dancing with everyone, probably eating way too much cornbread. So how can you celebrate Juneteenth? Easy join a local festival there's probably one near you, with music, food and all the vibes or learn more about black history. Read a book, watch a doc or just talk to your fam about it. Maybe even try making some Red Punch to sip while you vibe to some Juneteenth history Pro tip, don't just Google it. Talk to real people like your grandma or that cool history teacher to get the full story. All right, y'all.
Speaker 1:We're wrapping up episode three of Talking History. Juneteenth is more than a day. It's a whole mood, a celebration of freedom, resilience and community. I hope you're as hyped about it as I am. Next episode we'll dive into another history banger. Any guesses what it'll be? Drop your ideas in the comments or tell your friends to tune in. This is evelyn diaz, your history loving eighth grader signing off. Keep it curious, keep it real, and I'll catch you next time. Bye.